Cebuano bishops offered a Requiem Mass at the Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish, Pardo, Cebu City, for the eternal repose of the soul of Fr. Leonilo “Nilo” Igloria.

Prosperidad Bishop Ruben Labajo presided over the 10:00 AM Mass, while Calbayog Bishop Isabelo “Boy” Abarquez presided over the 4:00 PM Mass.

Bishop Labajo, in his homily, emphasized the virtues of Fr. Nilo, which are worth emulating, especially for priests.

“Si Fr. Nilo, buotan kaayo. Dedicated sa iyahang pagkapari ug sa iyang ministry. Sulundon gayod. Dili na siya mo-settle og mediocrity kay ganahan gyod na siya og excellence. Han-ay nga pagkatawo, limpyo kanunay, clean and orderly. Bright. Tawhanon nga pagbati nga masubo sa pagkawala ni Fr. Nilo. Pero sa iyang gipanghimo, dako nanig pundo sa langit. Kon duna siyay kasaypanan, mas dako iyang merito sa iyang mga maayong buhat,” said Bishop Ruben.

Bishop Abarquez, a classmate of Fr. Nilo, recalled in his homily their beautiful memories since their seminary days.

He narrated that when he received the news of Fr. Nilo’s passing, he could only sigh, even cry, and tell the Lord, “Into Your hands, I commend the soul of Nilo.”

“For me, he is still young. I was surprised. But I am reminded of what Cardinal said, ‘In the program of life, there are many surprising numbers. And one such surprising number is the sudden death of our loved one,” said Bishop Abarquez.

Tomorrow, April 4, the mortal remains of Fr. Nilo will be brought to the San Carlos Seminary College, where he served as a professor and became a rector.

The Funeral Mass will be held on April 9 at 2:00 PM at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.