Fr. Raul Gallego was laid to rest yesterday at the Manila Memorial Park in Liloan town, northern Cebu.
Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma paid tribute to Gallego’s recent contribution to the Archdiocese during last year’s Pedro Calungsod thanksgiving Mass in the South Road Properties, where he headed the committee on venue.
“He really did a great job especially in preparing the venue as well as the templete,” Palma told reporters.
Palma also recognized Gallego’s efforts in the renovation and construction of some churches in Cebu.
The Requiem Mass was presided by Palma at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Basak, Mandaue City.
Concelebrating with him were Archbishop Emeritus of Cebu Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, three bishops and around 70 priests.
“We cannot determine the day the Lord will take us. The best preparation is a life well lived. We should leave a legacy worth remembering,” said Palma.
Gallego, 56, died after he suffered a heart attack while driving his car in Mandaue City last March 12.
Gallego served as parish priest of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Balamban town.
He was earlier assigned at the Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus in Lahug, Cebu City, and the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima.
His cousin Teresa expressed the family’s sorrow upon learning about the priest’s death, saying the priest was dedicated to whatever project he did for the Church.
“He was very passionate. He gave so much of what he has. He’s a big loss to the Church,” she said.
Gallego, a native of Calape, Bohol province.