Renowned Augustinian priest Fr. Horacio Rodriguez passes away at 93
Father Horacio Rodriguez, considered the pillar of the Augustinian religious order in the Philippines, has died at the age of 93.
The tragic news was announced by the Augustinian Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus of the Philippines, detailing that he passed away on Dec. 27.
Rodriguez, born on August 12, 1931, embarked on his religious journey in 1952, joining the Augustinian order. He took his first vows that year and made his Solemn Profession three years later in 1955.
After being ordained as a priest the following year, he left his homeland in Spain for a mission to the Philippines, where he eventually became a founding father and longtime rector of Colegio San Agustin (CSA) in Makati.
Rodriguez fulfilled his duties as Rector from 1980 to 1984 and 1994 to 2018. He also served as the Grade School Principal for 49 years, from 1969 to 2018.
At the same time, he served as the Regional Vicar of the Vicariate of the Orient from 2002 to 2006.
CSA-Makati also penned a heartfelt message to Rodriguez following his passing.
"Our dearly beloved Fr. Horacio R. Rodriguez. Fr. Horacio was one of the school’s pioneers when it opened its doors in 1969," the institution said.
He was described as the "embodiment of the Augustinian core values of Truth, Unity and Charity."
"He constantly championed the Truth, advocated for unity and friendship, and promoted charity and brotherly love for all," they stated.
"His life is a testament of how it is to be a man for others, and a man for all. A true Kaibigan, he will be missed and never forgotten," they added.
Rodriguez's body will lie in state at the CSA-Makati chapel from Dec. 28 to Dec. 30, with requiem masses to be held at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 28 and Dec. 29.
