REST IN PEACE, FR. MARIO

The following statement was issued by Filipino Capuchins: “Fr. Mario Guevarra Dorado, OFMCap of Santo Tomas, Batangas passed into his eternal reward a few minutes after midnight (Philippine time) last March 14, 2023. He has been in New Zealand since July 2019 and was parish priest of St. Benedict Parish in Newton, Auckland. He became unwell following diligent preparations for Christmas; a previous illness recurred and he was soon thereafter was hospitalized. After medical treatments had been exhausted, Fr. Mario was recently transferred to the Mercy Hospice in Ponsonby, Auckland and it was there his soul finally returned to our Lord.

“He was 68 years old, 46 years a Capuchin Franciscan and 41 years a Roman Catholic priest. Fr. Mario was also the first Filipino Capuchin parish priest of St. Anthony Parish in Singalong, Manila. He had also previously been a Vocation Promoter, parish priest of the National Shrine of our Lady of Lourdes, and missionary to Papua New Guinea, Texas in the United States, and New Zealand

“Friars and friends also fondly remember him for his beaming smile, joyful demeanor, sonorous voice, and heartful singing. We request your prayers for Fr. Mario.

Pax et bonum.”

More than 10 years ago, he had cancer, to which he said: “If this is the cross that the Lord wants me to carry then I will gladly bear it.” He was miraculously cured. In one of the masses offered for his healing when he returned to New Zealand after serving in the Philippines, he told the attendees that it was no longer necessary for them to pray for his healing, as God had healed him.

Though the disease returned during the Christmas season in 2022, Fr Mario continued to celebrate masses well into January 2023 during the Feast of the Snr Sto Nino in Auckland.

The outpouring of love for Fr Mario was shown in his Facebook page flooded with messages. Here are some of tributes:

“As I remember Fr Mario Dorado. At Mass he would always make us laugh I said to him are you are Priest or entertainment manager. And he told me he’s both. And that’s why we love him, and he’ll be well missed, and our God have raised you up.” – Andrew Greening

“For years, the faithful communities in Auckland have been blessed by your inspiring homilies and loving service. Salamat po.” – Maricel Bautista

“One of the best priests I have ever known in this lifetime…Thank you for being always our go to priest when we were just newbies here in New Zealand, for being so friendly, approachable, humble and funny. Your positivity in life is so contagious.” – Daisy Torres

“Mission accomplished, Fr Mario. Thank you so much for your brotherly care. It’s now time for you to enjoy your heavenly rewards. Rest in the Good Shepherd’s eternal peace. Please intercede for us.” - Ramil

Villaluna Hamil

A Requiem Mass for Fr Mario will be held on 25 March, Saturday, 3pm (Feast of the Annunciation) at the Cathedral of St Patrick and St Joseph Church, 43 Wyndham St, Auckland.

It may be recalled that FR ROBERTO RUBEN C. ELAGO, MSP, who served as Filipino Chaplain in the Auckland Diocese in the past died at the age of 75 years old on January 29, 2023 in the MSP Tagaytay Seminary. On February 1, 2023, a Memorial Mass for the soul of Fr Elago was offered at St Benedict’s Parish, Auckland presided by Fr Lio Rotor and concelebrated by most of the Filipino priests in the diocese. Fr. Ruben was the chaplain for the Filipino Community for the Diocese of Auckland from 1999 to 2012. His last assignment was chaplain for Filipino migrants in the Archdiocese of Montreal, Canada. He was laid to rest in his home province in Misamis Oriental.

(Reprinted from BAYANIZ)

Devotees of St. Isidore gather together weekly for a novena leading to the Feast Day on May 15, 2023.

Filipino Catholics observed the Feast of St. Joseph on March 19, 2023 with a Mass in St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Huntly.

Starting February 24, 2023 and subsequent Fridays, Filipino Catholics in Hamilton observed the Stations of the Cross at St. Matthews Catholic Church,

On January 25, 2023, a Filipino Mass was celebrated to farewell Fr. Fernando Alombro in his assignment as parish priest of St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Putaruru.