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Cebu archdiocese confirms death of Fr. Fernandez

Philippines | National

Cebu archdiocese confirms death of Fr. Fernandez

By Leslie Ann Aquino

The Archdiocese of Cebu on Thursday, Dec. 23, confirmed the death of Fr. Eliseo "Leo" Fernandez.

Photo courtesy Archdiocese of Cebu

"It is with deep sadness to inform you that our dear brother priest, Fr. Eliseo "Leo" Fernandez is confirmed dead after identifying his body through his celibacy ring," the Archdiocese of Cebu said in a Facebook post.

The Cebu Archdiocesan Chancery said the police from Toledo Police Station came over to inform Church authorities that a body has been unclaimed at a funeral parlor in Toledo City.

"Indications were high that this could be Fr. Leo’s due to the ring that has a cross design. Said body was found floating in the shores of Bato, Toledo City on Dec. 18 and was reported to the Toledo police on said day," the post read.

The archdiocese said Fr Leo’s brother also positively identified the ring as that of Fr. Leo’s because it also has his name engraved on it.

It added that the clothes as described by funeral parlor personnel also "matched the description of the ones worn by Fr Leo on the night he was washed away by the strong current." "Despite our pain and sorrow over this unfortunate event, we are thankful that Fr. Leo’s body has been finally recovered," the archdiocese said.

"In the spirit of our ministerial brotherhood and being one in faith, we pray for his eternal repose as we also include all who died because of this recent calamity," it added.

Related Tags

archdiocese of cebu father eliseo leo fernandez

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