Farewell, Bishop Jose Oliveros of Malolos

He was the bishop who had always been very accommodating to media for interviews, especially to The Manila Bulletin.

Even when Malolos Bishop Jose Oliveros was already sick with cancer, he would readily reply to questions and was even apologetic if he mustered a reply days later.

Recently, I sent him a text message to ask his thoughts regarding the upcoming ordination to the episcopate of Iba Bishop Bartolome Santos, the diocese’s former vicar general, but no reply came. I took it as one of those days when he was really feeling “very weak.”

I recall in January, 2017, during the Mass for the Fourth World Apostolic Congress on Mercy at the Divine Mercy Shrine in Marilao, Bulacan, many were surprised when Oliveros sought prayers revealing he was about to undergo another round of radiation and chemotheraphy treatments.

“You know I am not feeling well. That is why I was unable to attend the first three days of this Congress,” the prelate said at the time. “Even right now, I am feeling very weak,” he added.

But although feeling weak, the Malolos prelate said he would continue to trust in the Lord’s mercy.

On Friday, May 11, I learned the death of the good bishop which came more than a week after Santos’ ordination.

The Diocese of Malolos announced Oliveros’ death in their Facebook page.

“It is with great sadness that the Office of the Vicar General announces that our Local Ordinary, His Excellency, Most Rev. Jose Francisco Oliveros, D.D. has joined our creator, the Heavenly Father at 9 a.m. today,” Sandigan, the official page of the diocese, said in a Facebook post.

“We appeal to all the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Diocese of Malolos to pray for the eternal repose of the soul of Bishop Jose. Please include him in your prayers on all Masses and prayers,” it further read.

Among those who expressed sadness over the demise of the prelate was the newly ordained Bishop Santos.

“Bp Jose Oliveros has already joined d Lord of life. The gift resurrection will now be realized in him. What he has preached and believed will now be his life in eternity,” said Santos.

“I will surely miss his wisdom and fatherly concern but I know God has prepared an abode for him where joy and gladness will be forever,” added the Iba prelate.

As for me, I never got to thank or tell Bishop Oliveros how much I appreciate him not only for the interviews, but for simply being kind to me as a whole all these years.

Today, allow me to express my gratitude to the Good Bishop who served God and His people wholeheartedly and with so much dedication.

“Thank you, Bishop Oli. I will never forget you.”