It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Fr. Ruben Fernandez, SDB. Fr. Ben died at 9:00 PM this August 14, 2021. After a year-long struggle with lung cancer, he succumbed to his sickness aggravated by severe pneumonia due to COVID-19. We ask for your prayers for his eternal rest and for the consolation of the Salesians and the Fernandez family.
Cremation Schedule
Fr. Ben will be cremated on August 20 at the Cosmopolitan Funeral Homes in Cebu City. The queue is rather long in all funeral homes in Cebu. This is the earliest we could have him listed. His remains are now kept sealed in St Bernard’s Funeral Homes along N. Bacalso Ave. Viewing is not allowed.
Update: Due to logistical difficulties, we are not able to stream the rites during cremation.
Online Viewing
The cremated remains of Fr. Ben will be kept at the Salesian Community chapel in Don Bosco Technical College – Cebu. Due to heightened quarantine restrictions in Cebu City, online viewing is encouraged.
| Online Vigil Live from DBTC-Cebu | August 20 to 21, 2021 8:45 PM to 11:00 PM (after the Novena Mass) | Facebook Live |
Novena Masses (Online Only)
Note: There are ongoing changes to the list of celebrants and masses. Please revisit this page for the latest updates.
| Date and Time | Celebrant | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday, August 15, 2021 8:00 PM | Fr. Medelino “Bong” Borgueta, SDB Rector, DB Mambucal | Join (Zoom) |
| Monday, August 16, 2021 8:00 PM | Fr. Eligio “Gio” Santos, SDB Rector, DBTI Victorias | Join (Zoom) |
| Tuesday, August 17, 2021 8:00 PM | Fr. Mario Baclig, SDB DB Parañaque | Join (Zoom) |
| Wednesday, August 18, 2021 8:00 PM | Fr. Samson “Bong” de Leon, SDB DB Boys Home – Liloan | Join (Zoom) |
| Thursday, August 19, 2021 8:00 PM | Fr. Randy Figuracion, SDB Rector, Lourdes Parish | Facebook Live Lourdes Shrine Don Bosco FIS |
| Friday, August 20, 2021 8:00 PM | Fr. Philip “Peewee” Lazatin, SDB Novice Director, DB Novitiate | Facebook Live DBFC Lawaan |
| Saturday, August 21, 2021 8:00 PM | Bishop Patricio Buzon, SDB, DD Diocese of Bacolod | Join (Zoom) |
| Sunday, August 22, 2021 8:30 AM (adjusted time) | Fr. Arvin Abatayo, SDB Pastoral Animator, DB Dumaguete | Facebook Live SLS DB |
Funeral Mass and Schedule
The funeral of Fr. Ben is scheduled on August 22, 2021 (Sunday). The rites will begin with the funeral mass at Don Bosco Technical College-Cebu. His remains will be brought to Don Bosco Formation Center – Lawaan after the mass and will be interred at the Salesian Cemetery.
| Funeral Mass Sunday, August 22, 2021 1:00 PM | Fr. Fidel Ma. Orendain, SDB FIS Provincial Superior | Join (Zoom) |
| Burial Rites | Salesian Cemetery Don Bosco Formation Center – Lawaan | Facebook Live DBFC Lawaan |