The Federation of Free Workers (FFW) on Wednesday mourned the passing of retired Lingayen Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz.
(CBCP / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
FFW president Sonny Matula remembered Cruz as someone who used his "prophetic voice against abuses and spared no sitting presidents."
Matula also noted Cruz "had criticized abuses within the Catholic Church and crusaded against illegal numbers game jueteng."
"Cruz had completed his mission on earth . His master it seems is telling him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master,'" added Matula.
The group then expressed their solidarity with the several Christian communities where the prelate served as shepherd in the past at this time of his demise.
FFW also extended their prayers and condolences to the family and friends of Archbishop Cruz who died at 6:45 a.m. Wednesday "due to multi-organ failure caused by critical COVID-19 infection."
"May his angels usher him to God's loving embrace. May God comfort his flocks and relatives in this time of profound sorrow and grief," said Matula.