Jesuit priest Timoteo “Tim” Ofrasio, a famous Filipino liturgical music writer, succumbed to the new coronavirus disease on Tuesday, December 1.
The priest died at a hospital in San Pablo City where he was admitted for treatment. He was 72.
Father Ofrasio was on home leave when he tested positive for the virus.
“He was hospitalized several days ago but seemed to be recovering,” read a statement from the Jesuits in Manila.
“His death is quite unexpected, except that COVID-19 has often been seen to be more treacherous and deadly than anticipated,” it added.
Father Ofrasio was the lyricist behind some famous liturgical songs including “Alay sa Diyos,” “Paghahandog ng Sarili,” and “Panalangin sa Pagiging Bukas-Palad.”
Besides being a lyricist, he was also a noted professor in theology and liturgy in Philippine seminaries.
Father Ofrasio joined the Society of Jesus in 1969 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1979.
He served as consultor for the Episcopal Commission on Liturgy of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines from 1994 to 1997.
