The Society of Jesus mourns the passing of known Filipino theologian Jesuit priest Fr. Catalino Arevalo, SJ.
According to the Philippine Jesuits, Fr. Arevalo passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 18 at 1:45 a.m. at the age of 97.
Regarded as the Dean of all Filipino Theologians and the Godfather of hundreds of priests, Fr. Arevalo is well known as a great theologian who helped shape the formation of priests here and in other parts of the world.
In Aug. 2009, the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) awarded Fr. Arevalo as the ‘Father of Asian Theology’ in recognition of his service as theological adviser of the FABC since its inception in 1970 and as head of the Theological Advisory Commission (TAC) from 1985 to1995.
The priest also authored the final document for the first FABC Plenary Assembly in Taipei, Taiwan in 1974 for the theological orientation of the organization.
Meanwhile, Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, also paid tribute to Fr. Arevalo.
“May this great teacher to whom we owe our love for theological learning and the spiritual discipline of discernment rest in the peace of God’s embrace. I know what was his heart’s most ardent prayer for one of his most beloved students. May the Lord complete his joy by granting his heart’s desire,” said Bishop David.
Born on April 20, 1925, Fr. Arevalo has ordained a priest on June 19, 1954. As a Jesuit theologian, he served in the different institutions of the Church such as the International Theological Commission at the Vatican. He was awarded the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice award in 1997 for his exemplary service to the Catholic Church.