Legacy of Peace: Remembering Archbishop Fernando Capalla

Very recently, we mourned the loss of a well-loved and respected bishop, Most Rev. Ronald Lunas, D.D., on January 2. In a somber turn of events, Archbishop-Emeritus Fernando R. Capalla, D.D., also a prominent and loved pillar in the Archdiocese of Davao and beyond, left behind a legacy of peace and interreligious dialogue.

In the recent passing of Archbishop-Emeritus Fernando Capalla, the Archdiocese of Davao lost a revered leader at the age of 89. A stalwart advocate for peace and interreligious dialogue, his departure on January 6 marked both an end of an era and a beginning of harvest for what he planted. Let’s delve into the profound aspects of his life and legacy:

1. A Life Dedicated to Service

Retired Archbishop Fernando Capalla led the Archdiocese of Davao for over 15 years, serving with unwavering dedication and commitment. His passing was conveyed by the current Archbishop of Davao, Romulo G. Valles, D.D. to the secretariat of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.

2. Advocate for Peace in Mindanao

Capalla, a known peace advocate in Mindanao, served as the president of the CBCP from 2003 to 2005. His contributions included founding the Bishops-Ulama Conference, an interreligious organization aimed at fostering understanding between Muslims and Christians including the Lumads.

3. Mourning a Loss: Duterte’s Tribute

Former President Rodrigo R. Duterte expressed deep mourning for the loss of Archbishop Fernando Capalla on January 6. Duterte referred to Capalla as a good friend and counselor, praising his impact on both private and public life.

“I’ve always acknowledged his ascendancy sa buhay ko (in my life) as a private person and as a public official,” said Duterte.

4. Legacy Lives On

Capalla’s legacy includes serving as the apostolic administrator of Marawi and receiving multiple awards for peace advocacy. Netizens and Duterte acknowledged his contributions as an advocate of peace in Mindanao. As the nation mourns the passing of Archbishop Fernando Capalla, his legacy of peace, interreligious dialogue, and unwavering service will continue to inspire generations.

5. Condolences and Recognition

Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao Leo Tereso Magno conveyed condolences, recognizing Capalla as a selfless and beloved man of God. Archbishop Jose Romeo Lazo and the faithful of the Archdiocese of Jaro, Iloilo, also offered condolences, emphasizing Capalla’s contributions to the Church.

As Sr. Grace of the Daughters of St. Anne beautifully expressed, “Siya ang amoang Bishop protector sa among kongregasyon Daughters of St. Anne so tungod sa iyaha nakasulod sa Pilipinas ang mga missionaries nga mga Spaniards, sa una mga Peruvians, dako mi’g pasalamat kay siya gyud among shepherd…si Msgr. [Archbishop Capalla] muingon gyud ko nga man of dialogue.”

Fr. Marlon Reyes, parish priest of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, shared a touching memory, “The very first time we met Archbishop Nanding, we were still seminarians at that time… he was really a big man, well literally dahil siya ay napakalaki but he is a big man of the archdiocese, whenever he visited our seminary, our convent talagang kulba, kinakabahan kami, but he erased those fears and kaba by being so kind and gracious to us, very very welcoming, and he would even initiate the conversation, we really look up to him.”

Most Rev. Guillermo Afable, D.D., Bishop of Digos, during his homily on the 2nd day of Archbishop Capalla’s wake, he reflected on Archbishop Nanding’s impact, “We join in the prayers for Archbishop Nanding, we are here because he means something to us, he is someone who has become a part of the fabric of who we are in many ways in the variety of circumstances he has somehow been a blessing and has graced our lives that’s why we are here. I’m sure Archbishop Nanding is also very pleased to see you.” He further emphasized the collective sentiment, “…what we reminisce to remember with joy and thanksgiving that our lives have become better because we have known him and he has graced us.”

As the nation bids farewell to Archbishop Fernando Capalla, he will be laid to rest on January 15, following a funeral Mass at the San Pedro Cathedral. This marks the end of an era but leaves behind a lasting impact on the hearts of those he touched.