Homily of Rev. Fr. Luisito A. Occiano, Bishop-elect, Diocese of Virac, Director of Caceres Commission on Communications, during the Funeral Mass for Nilo P. Aureus (b. March 25, 1954 – d. April 3, 2024)
(Published with permission. First appeared in Bicol Mail, April 2024, online edition. Featured header images from the FB page of Bicol Mail.)
Today, we gather with heavy hearts to bid farewell to a truly remarkable individual, Sir Nilo Aureus. The late Msgr. Juan Alarcon, then Director of Caceres Commission on Communications invited me to join the CCCom team and introduced me to the very supportive Mr. Nilo Aureus.
Later, upon succeeding Msgr. Johnny (Alarcon) when I was installed parish priest, Nilo became a good friend and ninong. He was not just a ninong and a benefactor of our media ministry; he was a pillar of strength, a beacon of light, and a source of inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing him. Nilo’s impact on our media ministry will forever be remembered and cherished in my heart.
A former AMS employee, Nilo later established his own printing press GOLDPRINT and revived the well-known BICOL MAIL. He understood the power of words and images to shape the hearts and minds of every Bicolano. For him, every good news is meant to be shared. His love for news and information allowed us to reach countless individuals with messages of faith, hope, and love. Through his unwavering support, he helped us amplify our mission and spread the light of the gospel to the farthest corners of our community and beyond.
Nilo’s contributions went beyond financial support. He was a man of deep faith and profound integrity whose actions spoke volumes about his character. Last 2017, Nilo was diagnosed with cancer. Instead of losing hope, he relied more on his faith in God and the loving intercession of INA. In those years of painful journey with his ailment, his love for INA deepened. He considered it a miracle when he was cleared of cancer in around 2019. Thus, his life was spent in constant service to INA exemplified through his service to many priests who always relied on Goldprint (Publishing House) for the printing of parish calendars, and even envelopes for love offerings and raffle tickets to raise funds. Always with very affordable and discounted prices.
Last 2008, when I invited him to join the Publicity committee for the Tercentenary of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, he offered Bicol Mail as one of the platforms of the promotion of the devotion to INA. Since then, Bicol Mail has been the partner of the Archdiocese in our media apostolate by allowing us to have a full page Caceres Inbox of church news and reflections. Thus, giving us an uninterrupted weekly platform in the print media. Unfortunately, in July of 2022, due to covid and the financial crisis, the Bicol Mail stopped its circulation. It was a painful decision on his part after 19 years of circulation. But in one month, Bicol Mail was again back in circulation. Despite the risk, Nilo still believed that the print media will always be a vehicle of social transformation. As we make history daily, we need to record it through print media. It will always give us an advantage in terms of permanence and longevity. Every good news is meant to be shared and is meant to last.
I think that is what Nilo has taught us. With all our words and work, we should make a good mark. We are all writing our own personal journal. “We made our mark before. We make our mark today. And we are to make our mark forever.” If ever we make our mark, let us make it good.
Nilo made a mark in our life that is indelible. Though Nilo may no longer be with us in body, his spirit will always be present among us, guiding us, inspiring us, and reminding us of the power of love transcending even the darkest of times. Nilo made a good mark that will always be etched in our hearts.
Nilo lived his life with a purpose and passion, always striving to make a difference in the lives of others. Whether through his philanthropy, his kindness, or his simple yet powerful words of wisdom, Nilo touched the hearts of all who knew him. Nilo’s legacy will continue to live on in the lives he touched and the hearts he uplifted. His generosity knew no bounds, and his commitment to serving others was unwavering. He leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and service that will continue to inspire and uplift us for years to come.
Let us take comfort in the knowledge that Nilo is now at peace, reunited with his creator, and basking in the light of eternal love. And let us carry his memory in our hearts, knowing that he will always be with us, watching over us, and cheering us on as we continue our journey through life.
As we mourn the loss of Nilo, let us also celebrate the beautiful life he lived and the profound impact he had on our community. Let us honor his memory by continuing the work he started, by spreading love and kindness wherever we go, and by living our lives with the same passion and purpose that he did.
Thank you Ninong Nilo for the generosity and the inspiration that will forever move us to proclaim the truth and make a mark that will give light and love to our community.
May Nilo rest in peace, knowing that his life was a gift to us all, and may we strive to honor his memory in all that we do. Amen.
Editors’ Note about Rev, Fr, Louie Occiano: On June 21, 2024, coinciding with his 53rd Birthday, Virac Bishop-elect Luisito A. Occiano will receive Episcopal Ordination from the hands of Archbishop-emeritus Tirona, together with Archbishops Adolfo Tito Yllana and Charles John Brown as Co-Consecrators. The Solemn Ordination will take place at the Peñafrancia Basilica Minore, at 9:00 AM. He will then be Installed at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral-Parish of the Diocese of Virac on June 26, 2024.