Msgr. Vicente laid to rest

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines – Some 68 priests from the Dioceses of Dumaguete and San Carlos, and other religious congregations on Tuesday afternoon paid their last respects to the late Rev. Msgr. Bienvenido Antonio Escalambre Vicente, who was laid to rest at the Dumaguete Memorial Park.

Vicente, 77, died of a lingering illness last May 21 at the Holy Child Hospital in Dumaguete. He had served in various assignments and positions in the Diocese of Dumaguete, since he was ordained to the priesthood June 17, 1966 in Logroño, Spain.

Dumaguete Diocese administrator Msgr. Gamaliel Tulabing officiated the concelebrated funeral Mass at the St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral in this capital city before the interment.

During the Homily, Msgr. Candelario Catubig fondly recalled his high school days at the St. Joseph Seminary where the late Msgr. Vicente was assigned then. “The late monsignor was a dedicated person and loved by seminarians even though he was strict with them,” he said.

“Msgr. Vicente was known for wearing his priestly garb all the time, an indication that he was a lover of the priesthood and did not hide his identity as a priest,” said Catubig.

“The diocese has lost a great priest. We pray that our priesthood be patterned after yours,” said Catubig. Speaking later to the bereaved family of Msgr. Vicente, he said: “While death is painful for those left behind, it is also a new and purified life for the departed monsignor who is now enjoying the company of his parents and Creator.”

Cebu Archdiocese auxiliary bishop Msgr. Julito Cortes, who served for many years in Dumaguete, also said that “wearing a cassock all the time was Msgr. Vicente’s trademark and that it deflected possible enticements from the worldly life.”

Cortes further recalled good memories with the late Msgr. Vicente at the St. Joseph Seminary, saying that the latter was his mentor in his formative years.

“Msgr. Vicente lived a simple life which earned the respect and admiration of many,” said the bishop and other priests who had known the late monsignor.

Born in Bayawan City, Negros Oriental on December 11, 1934 to the couple Juan Vicente and Trinidad Escalambre (both deceased), Msgr. Vicente served as a diocesan priest for a number of years in different various capacities. —(FREEMAN)