Malolos Bishop Jose Oliveros (Photo from the www.cbcpnews.com)
MARILAO, Bulacan — Malolos Bishop Jose Oliveros has asked his flock to pray for him as he undergoes a series of treatments for cancer.
“Please pray for me… I trust in the mercy of God,” he said during his homily on Thursday afternoon at the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy.
The 70-year-old Oliveros delivered the homily at the Mass for the World Apostolic Congress on Mercy, which was held here.
In a press conference earlier in the day, Msgr. Bartolome Santos, vicar general of the Diocese of Malolos, revealed that the bishop has been suffering from prostate cancer.
His illness was diagnosed two years ago, which has limited Oliveros’ physical activities. However, he can still stand up and walk for limited periods of time.
Oliveros himself admitted that his illness prevented him from attending the first three days of WACOM 4.
“You know I am not feeling well. That is why I was unable to attend the first three days of this congress,” he said towards the end of his homily.
The bishop, speaking in a steady but visibly weak voice, added that he was still feeling weak.
“Next week I start another round of radiation and chemotherapy treatments. Please pray for me,” Oliveros said in closing.
Santos said Oliveros’ health condition has not stopped the bishop from performing his duties as a good shepherd to his flock, presiding over Masses, whenever he felt physically well.
“He still presides over Masses, speaks with people. For him, his sickness is secondary. What is important is that he is able to spread the word of God,” the vicar general said.
Asked if the bishop has considered an early retirement, Santos said: “He still wants to serve. His willingness to serve the Lord is still there.”
Santos has appealed to the Catholic faithful of the Diocese of Malolos to pray for their bishop, noting that healing for cancer is not only physical but spiritual in nature too. SFM