The
bishop of the poor and man of peace, who was an outspoken advocate
of human rights even in the most trying times of martial law, peacefully
passed away at the Riverside Medical Center in Bacolod City at 8:15
a.m. on July 1st, 2003.
Bishop Fortich's leadership made people aware of what true Christians
should be. He practised what he taught, I am thankful to the Lord
for making this great man a part of our lives and a model of exemplary
Christian witnessing.
Please pray for our Beloved Bishop Emeritus Antonio Y. Fortich.
(Editor's Note:
Bishop A. Y. Fortich received his ordination for the priesthood on
March 3, 1944, and was elevated to the episcopate on February 24,
1967. He was Vice-President of the CBCP in 1972, later a member of
the CBCP Administrative Council. He was also member of FABC, NAMFREL,
and was board member of the Bishops-Businessmen's Conference for Human
Development. In 1986-1987 he was Chairman of the National Ceasefire
Committee.
"I know that you are working for human rights and I know that
this work is risky for you and the Church, but the Church must continue
working with the poor, otherwise, she will lose them," Pope John
Paul II told Bishop Emeritus Y. Fortich during the the latters' Ad
Limina visit in 1981.
Source: Bacolod
Diocese homepage)
