Don Bosco Philippines South Province

Introduction to the Funeral Mass – 11 Dec 2024, Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, Punta Princesa, Cebu City

Today we gather with fraternal affection to offer this Eucharist for our deceased brother, Fr Leonides Baclay, SDB, Fr Onie was born in Cebu City on September 2, 1964, and grew up as an active youth in this parish. He made his first profession as a Salesian on April 1, 1984, and was ordained a priest on May 1, 1998. As an ordained priest he exercised his pastoral ministry in the various communities where he was assigned

• in Don Bosco Mati, Davao Oriental as TVET Training Director;
• in Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Mati, Davao Oriental as Parish Priest;
• in Don Bosco Boys’ Home, Cotcot, Liloan, Cebu as TVET Training Director;
• in St. John Bosco Parish, Cotcot, Liloan, Cebu as Parish Priest.

In 2019 he left the Philippines to serve as the economer of the international Theologate community in Ratisbonne, Jerusalem. For three years he dedicated himself not only in forming future Salesian priests but also in reaching out to many OFWs in need. When he came back home in 2022 he was welcomed by the parishioners of the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, where he zealously served as parochial vicar and in-charge of the Salesian Lay Volunteers. He also received the appointment to be the Delegate of the FIS Commission on Mission. Wherever he was assigned, Fr Onie inspired many people by his kind words and good deeds.

After a short battle with a terminal illness, he was blessed to have received the last sacraments surrounded by his family and his confreres. Last December 5 he passed away peacefully at the Zatti Clinic of DBTC.

While Fr Onie’s untimely demise fills us with sorrow, our hearts do not yield to despair for we all believe in Jesus, the resurrection and the life, the just and merciful Judge whose second coming we joyfully await.

Therefore, with holy pride and grateful hearts, we are gathered as one big family of Don Bosco to honor Fr Onie’s fidelity and perseverance in the service of God, the Church and the Salesian Congregation. And in union with Jesus’ sacrifice made present in this Eucharistic celebration, let us now offer Fr Onie back to the Father who through him has done good and wonderful works in Don Bosco’s field of dreams. GiGsss!

Disclaimer: This section of the website is a personal creative writing of the author and does not necessarily reflect the official views, opinion, or policies of the Salesians of Don Bosco – Philippines South Province. For concerns on the content, style, and grammar of this piece, please contact us.