As we celebrated the Solemnity of our Blessed Father Dominic, we announce the passing to eternal glory of one of our brothers, Archbishop Leonardo Zamora Legazpi. He died in the early hours of Friday, the 8th of August 2014. He is of the Province of the Philippines and the Archbishop emeritus of the Diocese of Caceres, Philippines.
Archbishop Legazpi was born in Meycauayan, Bulacan on November 25, 1935. He joined the Dominican Order and was ordained to the priesthood in 1960. He was the first Vicar of the Vicariate of the Philippines (1962-1970) and also the rector of the UST Seminary (1968-1970). In 1970, he was appointed the first Filipino Rector Magnificus of the Pontifical and Royal University of St Thomas, Manila.
In 1977, he was consecrated Bishop and designated the Titular Bishop of Elefantaria in Mauritania and the Auxiliary of Manila. In 1984, he was installed the Archbishop of Caceres. He served as the president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (1988-1991) and President of the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines in 1991.
Archbishop Legazpi has several academic and honorary doctorates in the fields of philosophy, theology, law, education and the humanities. He is also well-read in other fields. He has worked at the Vatican and he is still a member of several Vatican congregations and commissions.
May his soul rest in peace!
(8 August 2014)