Healing priest dies of heart attack

MANILA, Philippines — A few weeks after the Vatican absolved him of sexually abusing minors, Fr. Fernando Suarez, known among local Catholics as a healing priest, died of a heart attack yesterday afternoon.

Suarez’s colleague, Fr. Melvin Castro, said he was rushed to the Asian Hospital after he collapsed while playing tennis at the Ayala Alabang clubhouse.

Suarez died at around 3 p.m.  

Castro said he was saddened by the death of Suarez.

“Parang hinintay lang ni Lord na ma-abswelto siya. Nakakalungkot,” he said.

Retired Bishop Antonio Tobias, Judicial Vicar of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, informed Suarez that the Vatican has cleared him of allegations of sexual abuse.

Known for his healing masses, Suarez was ordained to the priesthood in 2002 at the age of 35.

He has put up seminaries and healing centers in Cebu and Davao del Norte. 

Suarez was banned from celebrating masses at the Dioceses of Cubao, Quezon City, Malaybalay in Bukidnon, Malolos in Bulacan and Lingayen in Pangasinan.