The clergy and lay faithful across the Archdiocese of Cebu and neighboring ecclesiastical provinces gathered earlier today at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral to commend the soul of the late Most Rev. Emilio “Boy” Bataclan.
The Funeral Mass was presided over by Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Jose S. Palma, together with Apostolic Nuncio Emeritus to Korea Osvaldo Padilla, Palo Archbishop John Du, Jaro Archbishop Midyphil Billones, Iligan Bishop Jose Rapadas III, Prosperidad Bishop Ruben Labajo, Dumaguete Bishop Julito Cortes, and other visiting monsignori and priests.
Reflecting on the life and priestly ministry of the late prelate, Archbishop Emeritus Palma described +Bishop Boy as a faithful servant who brought God to countless people through a life marked not by extraordinary achievements but by humble love, generous service, simplicity, wit, and joy.
Drawing from the late bishop’s nickname, Archbishop Emeritus Palma remarked that “Boy” aptly reflected +Bishop Bataclan’s identity as one who was always ready to serve.
He explained that, in the local language, the word “boy” commonly refers to someone who is readily available to help, a description that +Bishop Boy faithfully embodied throughout his priestly and episcopal ministry.
“Boy sa Ginoo. Always ready, always available, always ready to go where the Lord sends him, not because he has to, but because, despite, he says, his sinfulness and weakness, he has chosen every single day to be a faithful servant,” Archbishop Emeritus Palma remarked.
The good Archbishop Emeritus also recounted +Bishop Boy’s quiet generosity, sharing how the late prelate helped many individuals complete their education and become professionals, along with some who were eventually ordained for the Church.
+Bishop Boy welcomed anyone who sought his help and extended assistance in whatever way he could–buying peanuts, corn snacks, crackers, dried fish, and other goods from vendors not out of personal need but simply to help them earn a living.
“Maybe that’s the lesson he has been trying to teach us all, that love does not always announce itself. It doesn’t always stand out on stage; more often, it widely shows up, it notices, it gives, it serves, then it moves on without expecting anything in return,” the good Archbishop Emeritus exhorted.
He concluded his homily by reminding the faithful that while we grieve +Bishop Boy’s passing, the late prelate wants them to remember the love he generously shared through his life and service.
“We will find him in the kindness we extend to others, in the smiles and the laughter we share, in every embrace that brings comfort and in every simple act of generosity; his life taught us that God’s love is felt in ordinary moments lived with extraordinary charity.”
After the Mass, a short eulogy followed. Archbishop Padilla, Bishop Rapadas, and +Bishop Boy’s family expressed their condolences and recalled their good memories with the late prelate.
Despite not being physically present during the wake and funeral, Cebu Archbishop Alberto S. Uy sent a video message expressing his condolences and oneness with the faithful.
“Kauban ako nga nagmagul-anon apan magpabilin usab nga malaumon tungod kay kita nagsalig sa kalooy ug gugma sa Diyos. Nasayod sad kita sa atong pagtuo sa kinabuhing dayon nga atong kapaingnan kon kita magpabilin dinha sa Diyos,” Archbishop Abet said.