For my Beloved Bishop Patricio H. Alo, D.D. on his 75th Birthday

December 14, 1984 at 8:30 in the morning, I was wavering my small flag on the roadside waiting for the arrival of the bishop.

I was in second year high when we were informed that all of us would make small flag. I was curious, enjoying the moment, excited to see the new bishop. Then there were screaming and small flags were raised high. The bishop passed by through an open and decorated vehicle where he was standing. He was also waving his hands, smiling and blessing people. He looked very young, dignified and holy. We were informed he is Bishop Patricio H. Alo, the bishop of the Diocese of Mati.

Thirty years ago, that was my first encounter with my bishop. Who would have thought that it would be followed by series of encounters when during my college years before I entered the seminary, I became a choir member in the Cathedral of Mati, and we usually sung when he celebrates the mass.

Simplicity in lifestyle

With series of encounters, before I became a priest, I could testify to his simplicity and humility in the lifestyle he lives and in his presence to everyone. Once he was driving his vehicle and was just a walking distance from the cathedral, one of the tires was flat, he came down from the car to change a new tire. I could hardly imagine a bishop changing the flat tire until some knew and helped him.

My encounters with my bishop became more personal when I entered the seminary. Summer breaks, semestral and Christmas vacations became venues where we could personally visit, see and talk to our bishop.

He is down to earth. He seldom talks and this is always with sense and purpose. He is a man of few words. He makes complicated things simple. He is more particular on the “being” rather than “doing.” He really became my source of inspiration during my years in formation. He would always remind that to be simple and humble is the sure way to be good and holy person.

A father to us all

He ordained me on June 5, 1999. It was the most memorable event of my life with him. I was so blessed to be ordained by him. As I became a member of the clergy and the presbyterium, the more I know that he is a father to us all. He understands our struggles and pains, and is compassionate in our suffering and weaknesses. But he does not tolerate. He confronts but comforts. He frankly tells someone few words but also manifests a loving concern to help his priests. He gives simple gifts to people and priests.

One presbyterium meeting, he announced that he brought gifts to all priests from abroad. We thought that it was really something, only to find out that, they were just stickers which contained religious sayings and quotations. When it was distributed he simply said, “Stick this on your study tables and inside the comfort rooms.” I was smiling but amazed of his fatherly thoughtfulness.

The workers and personnel of the clergy house, parish offices, Trinity cable and the like, testify to this. Many say that their bishop is a father to them all.

He lives his principles in life

When I was assigned at Maryknoll Academy of Cateel he approved my proposal for a three-storey building. While I was in his office, he excused himself to get something in his room. Then he brought an old art book. To my surprise, it contained not art works but sayings, idioms and quotations which he personally chose and wrote. Many are in Latin and Spanish. He showed and read to me important sayings that would somehow guide and inspire, as I would continue the project.

From this book, he would usually quote and share in his homilies and talks. I believe he would read and read this book and live it as his principles in life. This is indeed very inspiring on my part.

“Truth sets us free” is the title of his column in Davao Catholic Herald. Reading his column and observing the way he lives his life, I could say that he is an exemplar to this challenge of Jesus in the gospel. Many times he would include this in his homilies.

Before leaving for Rome for my further studies in 2007, he reminded me of his principles in life. He shared to me his experiences while he was also studying in Rome, his style and practices why he was able to finish his studies without any delay. He challenged me to persevere and be courageous to face demands in studies, cultures and language.

A Man of the Word of God

“He is a man of the Word of God,” many would say. He is known by many that he would mention biblical texts from time to time in his homilies. He loves to quote biblical texts and easily memorize their chapters and verses. He could easily combine them to come with deep biblical foundations in his homilies and talks even in his simple conversation with priests and to people surrounding him.

My beloved Bishop

My words are not enough to describe him as a person, a priest and a bishop. My friendship with him as my father in the diocese since I was ordained in 1999 is indescribable. When my mother died in 2010 he was there to help and comfort my family and me. When my father died in 2013, his kindness became obvious in our family. He was there to support and comfort us. He asked people to help our family.
I would surely miss my beloved bishop. I consider these descriptions above as my expression of gratitude to this person, priest and bishop who influenced my life very much as a priest.

Happy 75th birthday bishop and my prayers!