In Memoriam: +Fr. Albert L. Bernal, SSP (1971–2026)

Fr. Albert "Abet" Leopoldo Bernal, SSP, was born on December 6, 1971, in Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental, to the +Meynardo Catalbas Bernal and +Arlene Torres Leopoldo. He was an only child and grew up in Oroquieta City. He entered the Society of St Paul in May 1989 while in his first year of college in Makati City, beginning a journey of formation that led to his perpetual profession in 2003 and his ordination to the priesthood on March 7, 2004, in Makati City, through the laying on of hands of Most Rev. Gaudencio B. Rosales, D.D. He completed his philosophical studies at St. Paul Seminary in Makati and earned his Bachelor of Sacred Theology from Loyola School of Theology in Quezon City in 2002.

Throughout his religious life, Fr. Abet served the Pauline mission in various capacities in publishing, formation, administration, and pastoral leadership. His early assignments included work at ST PAULS Press, Sambuhay, and the Central Administration, as well as vocation promotion and formation ministry. He later served in the Provincial General Services Office and became involved in the distribution apostolate as Wholesale Manager in Region 10 and Mobile Manager in Cagayan de Oro and Davao.

Known for his dedication and missionary spirit, he was appointed Delegate Superior of the Davao community from 2008 to 2019, while continuing his involvement in the ST PAULS distribution apostolate. In the later years of his ministry, Fr. Abet served as Manager of Manila Central Bookstores in Makati and Pasay, and eventually returned to Davao for apostolic service in 2023, where he continued his ministry with quiet fidelity and generosity.

In March 2026, Fr. Abet was rushed to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Davao Doctors Hospital due to pneumonia, together with several existing medical conditions, including chronic kidney disease (CKD) Stage IV, hypertension, liver cirrhosis, and possible acute heart failure. Despite medical care and treatment, his condition remained critical.

On March 19, 2026, the Solemnity of St. Joseph, at the age of 54, he peacefully returned to our loving Creator. May St. Joseph, faithful guardian and protector, accompany Fr. Abet into the peace of the Father’s house.

PHILIPPINES–AUSTRALIA

Provincialate - 7708 St. Paul Road, San Antonio Village, 1203 Makati City, Philippines

Trunkline: (+63/02) 8895-9701 to 04; (+63/02) 8890-7132 • Email: information@stpauls.ph • Website: ssp.ph