The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cebu extends its sincerest condolences to the family of Bishop Ruben Labajo, former Auxiliary Bishop of Cebu and now Bishop of Prosperidad, on the passing of his father, +Bienvenido Labajo.

Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” S. Uy presided over the Funeral Mass at the Parish and Archdiocesan Shrine of Sta. Teresa de Avila in Talisay City, Cebu. He was joined by Bishop Labajo, Gumaca Bishop Euginius Cañete, MJ, Cebu Archbishop-Emeritus Jose Palma, and other visiting clergy from the Archdiocese of Cebu and Diocese of Prosperidad.

Archbishop Abet, in his homily, reminded the faithful that a Funeral Mass is not a celebration of life, not of death. He reflected that their gathering is an expression of faith and hope in one God who, out of His immense love, gave His life for humanity and, through His divine power, conquered death by rising from the dead.

“Si Lazaro, diha sa Ebanghelyo, namatay. Si Tatay Bien karon namatay. Pero kita naa diri nagsaulog, wala magpasabot naglipay. Nagguol man ta pero atong kasingkasing napabiling malinawon. Diha sa sulod, nagsaulog ta sa atong pagtuo nga kining maong kamatayon dili maoy katapusan kon dili agi-anan lamang sa tinuod nga kinabuhi nga giandam sa Diyos para kanato nga nahigugma Kaniya,” he exhorted.

The good Archbishop also emphasized that a person who does not have God in their life is one who lacks true life. He encouraged the faithful to remain committed as a people who know God and nurture a deep and meaningful relationship with Him.

“Samtang mag-ampo ta para kang Tatay Bien, ato sab siyang hangyoon, ‘Tatay Bien, palihug kung tua naka sa langit, i-ampo dili lang si Bishop Ruben, dili lamang imong mga anak, kon dili kaming tanan, nga unta magpabilin kaming puno sa kinabuhi samtang ania pa sa kalibutan,’” said the good Archbishop consoling those mourning for Tatay Bien’s passing.

May the soul of +Bienvenido and all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.