Msgr. Nonong Nacional `A priest much loved and respected’

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Monsignor Tranquilino “Nonong” Nacional was parish priest of San Nicolas de Tolentino in Isabela, Negros Occidental

Sadness enveloped the dioceses of Kabankalan, Bacolod and San Carlos yesterday with the passing of Monsignor Tranquilino “Nonong” Nacional, parish priest of San Nicholas de Tolentino Parish in Isabela, Negros Occidental.

          Known for his dedication to his pastoral work, the 66-year-old priest was celebrating a mass Saturday afternoon in Binalbagan when he suddenly felt ill. He died hours later from a heart attack at Bacolod Doctor’s Hospital.

          “He was much loved and respected by everyone, especially by his brother priest,” said Bacolod Bishop Patricio Buzon, who appointed Nacional as vicar general when he was bishop of the Kabankalan Diocese.

          “He was a great unifier of the presbyterium and of the diocese,” Buzon added.

          Kabankalan Bishop Louie Galbines shares the same sentiment as he remembers Nacional as a dedicated and faithful priest in the ministry.

          “I was with him for only two years..we will surely miss him as a brother and friend,” Bishop Galbines said.

          Also mourning the loss of Nacional is San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, who expressed on his social media account early morning yesterday his condolences for the Diocese of Kabankalan.

          “On behalf of the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Diocese of San Carlos, I would like to express our sincerest condolences to Bishop Galbines and the Diocese of Kabankalan.” Alminaza said, adding that prayers and masses will be offered for the beloved priest.

          “He was presented to Our Lady (November 21) and welcomed by Christ the King (November 22),” Bishop Alminaza said. – NAB