Necrological Mass for Atio: Hope prevails over darkness, grief

For my story about the funeral mass: Horacio “Atio” Castillo III’s father, Horacio Jr., delivers his message to his son during the mass at Santuario de San Antonio Parish. Pathricia Roxas/ INQUIRER.net

“How many deaths should there be before we realize that there’s something wrong in a brotherhood that seeks to harm in order to bond?”

This was what Fr. Winston Cabading said in his homily during the mass for Horacio “Atio” Castillo III, a victim of alleged hazing in the hands of his “brothers” from the Aegis Juris fraternity.

Cabading urged everyone to remain hopeful because “hope will prevail over darkness.”

“There is hope. Hope that will compel us to act and move our hearts that each one of us must resist darkness in our hearts, society and our families,” he said.

Castillo’s father, Horacio Jr., turned emotional as he delivered his message to his son, whom he said, was “perfect and full of dreams and aspirations.”

“Atio decided to pursue his dreams of becoming a lawyer. But two months into entering law school, he was brutally murdered by (the hands of) his initiators who robbed him of his dreams and aspirations,” Horacio Jr. said.

Despite his anger, Horacio Jr. expressed his gratitude to his son whom he is now ready to let go.

“Horacio, we now let you go because we love you so much,” Horacio Jr. said.

“Give us strength to fight for justice. Justice for you and for those who died of hazing. Thank you for everything. We will miss you but now, go to the light,” he added.

Meanwhile, Castillo’s godfather and Horacio Jr.’s best friend, David Amor, called on the people to continue helping them by either donating or spreading awareness about Castillo’s death.

Castillo will be laid to rest at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City on Wednesday afternoon. /idl