The late Archbishop Emeritus Fernando R Capalla, DD embodied synodality even before Pope Francis invited the global community to participate in this mission. Affectionately called Archbishop Nanding, he served as the Davao archbishop emeritus. He passed away at the age of 89 on 6 January of this year. He is fondly remembered for his steadfast commitment to fostering dialogue in Mindanao, firmly believing that genuine conversations are crucial for fostering understanding among people from different backgrounds. Msgr Paul Cuizon, Vicar General and Oeconomus, fondly remembers him. “The way Archbishop Nanding would relate to people, his capacity to listen which is extraordinary, and sometimes heroic. His capacity to dialogue only shows he has lived that word.” He was born on 1 November 1934 in Leon, Iloilo to Sergio C Capalla and Adela P Robles and was second of seven siblings. At the age of 26, he was ordained as a priest on 18 March 1961 and served as a diocesan priest in the Archdiocese of Jaro. On 2 April 1975, Pope John Paul VI appointed him as the auxiliary bishop of Davao and named him the titular bishop of Grumentum on the same day. On 25 April 1977, he became bishop-prelate of Iligan City in Lanao del Norte province, and later, on 15 November 1982, he was appointed bishop when Iligan City was elevated to a full diocese. In 1987, Pope John Paul II appointed him as Apostolic Administrator of the newly established Prelature of St Mary’s in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur. Archbishop Capalla was appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Davao on 28 June 1994. He officially assumed leadership as the third archbishop of the metropolitan on 28 November 1996. He served as President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) from December 2003 to December 2005. He was a Council Member of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) and played a pivotal role as one of the Founders/Convenors of the Bishops-Ulama Conference. He served as a Member of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue for more than a decade. Archbishop Capalla actively promoted inter-religious dialogue among the diverse communities of Mindanao, including Christians, Muslims, and Lumads. He was succeeded by Archbishop Romulo Valles of Zamboanga as Primate of Davao. During the brief Mindanao revolt led by then Col Alexander Noble, which erupted in Cagayan de Oro City on 5 October 1990, rebel soldiers attempted to extend their influence by occupying positions at the city plaza and near the Catholic cathedral. To prevent further expansion, troops loyal to President Corazon Aquino seized control of Tubod Bridge, placing explosives underneath it as a deterrent against rebel movement. The standoff disrupted the normal passage of people and goods across the bridge. In the midst of the tension, Archbishop Capalla successfully mediated with both soldiers and police, securing safe passage for civilians to cross the bridge. Msgr Paul Cuizon highlighted the Archbishop’s most notable contribution particularly in gathering everyone for dialogue and peace. “His most significant contribution deserving of an award would be his very person. He is a gift from the Lord. When you recognize his person, we recognize his giftedness. And his giftedness is relevant to the issues of the church and of the society.” Elisea Capalla, sister of Archbishop Capalla, expressed joy and gratitude for the award that will be given to her brother whose heart was truly in Mindanao. “On behalf of our family, I wish to thank Xavier University for giving our brother the Archbishop Santiago TG Hayes SJ for the service to the Church. I pray for the continued and meaningful and inspiring presence of XU as an academic institution in Mindanao. Mabuhay ang Xavier University.” Archbishop Capalla remained in Mindanao until his retirement in 2012. He remained a resolute proponent of justice, vocal against inequality and a champion for marginalized communities. His unwavering commitment to peace in Mindanao and tackling the underlying causes of conflict has left a lasting legacy, poised to inspire future generations. He passed away this year and is interred at the crypt of the San Pedro Cathedral, in Davao City.
* * * * * * * In sincere recognition of his remarkable service to the Church in Mindanao. Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan is pleased and deeply honored to posthumously bestow to the late Archbishop Emeritus Fernando R Capalla, DD, the Archbishop Santiago TG Hayes SJ Award of the 85th Commencement Exercises. |
