Healing priest Fr. Fernando Suarez. (File photo)
MANILA -- Catholic prelates on Wednesday paid tribute to the works of the late healing priest Fr. Fernando Suarez.
Retired Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles said the devotion of Suarez to serving the less fortunate will be missed.
“His work for the poor will certainly be missed. I pray that he will be rewarded for his great plans and achievement for the Church and for the least among the faithful,” he said in an interview.
Arguelles said Suarez, a native of Butong, Taal, Batangas is supportive of the local church in the province, despite not belonging to the Archdiocesan Clergy of Lipa.
Suarez founded the religious organization named Missionaries of Mary Mother of the Poor Congregation (MMMP).
Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco said the life of every person solely rely on the hands of God.
“Our life is always in the hands of God. We come and go into this world. What is important is we are prepared to go home any time,” he added.
Meanwhile, the MMMP discouraged the public from giving flowers in the wake of Suarez and instead donate cash for them to continue the late priest's ministry.
“In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to be made only under the name of Missionaries of Mary Mother of the Poor Inc. (MMMP) with Chinabank account No. 1461 0000 0665 to continue the ministry he has started with his missionary congregation,” the group said in a post on their Facebook account.
The group also announced that the wake will be at the Heritage Park, Taguig City from February 5 to 6.
“Fr. Do’s (Suarez) remains will temporarily lie at Heritage Park -- Taguig Chapels 2, 3, 4 starting 05 February 2020, 1 p.m. until 06 February 2020, 6 a.m. Thereafter, he will be transferred to his hometown in Butong, Taal, Batangas starting 06 February 9 a.m. Internment to be advised later,” it added.
Suarez succumbed to heart attack on Tuesday afternoon, three days before his 53rd birthday on February 7. (PNA)
