Bishop Emeritus Raul Martinez, who served as the head of the Diocese of San Jose de Antique for nearly two decades, passed away at the age of 86.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) announced his passing in a Facebook post on Monday, though the cause of death was not disclosed.
Martinez was ordained as a bishop in 1983 at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Roxas City. He led the Diocese of San Jose de Antique until 2002. After stepping down, he served as the resident bishop of Christ the King Parish Greenmeadows in Quezon City.
Martinez earned his theology degree from the University of Santo Tomas in 1960 and was ordained as a priest the following year.
In 1986, Martinez joined the CBCP Permanent Council and was appointed chairman of the Episcopal Commission for Non-Believers.
During a wake Mass for Martinez, Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco praised him for his “simplicity” and “friendliness.” Ongtioco reflected, “He was friendly to everyone, very approachable, very fatherly, and for some, a grandfather. Indeed, he was a friend and a shepherd to many.”
Ongtioco added, “I will always remember him for his genuine simplicity. I witnessed that his faith in Christ was alive at the very core of his being.”
A funeral Mass for Bishop Martinez will be officiated by Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula at the Christ the King Main Church on Friday.