OFWs in Germany mourn death of Pinoy priest

Filipino Catholics in Berlin are mourning the loss of Fr. Adonis Narcelles Jr., who died last July 29 at age 40, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Saturday. Philippine Ambassador to Germany Maria Cleofe Natividad led embassy officials in bidding farewell to Narcelles in a solemn Mass at the Bayernallee Church. “Ambassador Natividad fondly recalled the close cooperation extended by Father Narcelles to the Philippine Embassy in Berlin and his outstanding contributions and efforts to unite the Filipino community in Germany," the DFA said. Daily Masses and novenas for Narcelles are offered at the Heilig Geist Church in Bayernallee 28 14052 (Charlottenburg) in Berlin at 6 p.m., according to the DFA. Narcelles, fondly called Father Adonis by fellow Filipinos, was parish priest for the past eight years at the Heilig Geist Church in Bayernallee, a local church frequented by the Filipino Catholics in Berlin. The DFA said his Sunday masses were popular among Filipinos, Germans, and other nationals as they were a mix of Filipino, English, and German. “His death was a big loss to the Filipino community, who is deeply fond of him and grateful for his religious and community work," it said. Also, the DFA said the youthful-looking priest from Pozzorrubio, Pangasinan, was also known for his charming sense of humor and passion for life. The DFA said he shepherded the pastoral council of his church and worked closely with the embassy in its projects for Germany-based Filipinos. Narcelles studied Theology and was ordained in Germany in 2003. He then began his first assignment as a missionary priest to the Filipino community in Berlin. — JE, GMA News