On the day when he would formally say good-bye to his many friends and supporters in the Diocese of Trenton, Father Bernardino C. Esguerra, former pastor of Epiphany Parish, Brick, received an unexpected visit from Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.

The visit took place Sept. 22 in St. Luke Church, Toms River, where an estimated 500 former parishioners, brother priests and other well-wishers gathered to honor the priestly ministry and loving friendship of “Father Bernardino” during a special prayer service. Father Bernardino, now in the final stages of pancreatic and kidney cancer, was to leave within the next few days to return to his family in the Philippines where he would spend his final weeks.

Bishop O’Connell bestowed his blessing on Father Bernardino just before the prayer service which, though marking a sad departure, took on an atmosphere of joy and celebration. Father Robert Grodnicki, pastor of St. Luke Parish, explained, “It was planned by what he wanted – a time of thanksgiving and healing.”

Since arriving in the Diocese of Trenton in the mid-1990s, Father Esguerra served in St. Mary of the Lake Parish, Lakewood, and St. Agnes Parish Atlantic Highlands, before being assigned to Epiphany Parish. He was pastor there from 2008 until 2012.

The homily was given by Father Oscar B. Sumanga, diocesan judicial vicar and vice chancellor, who is a close friend of Father Bernardino. The sacraments and rituals of the Church brought great comfort to Father Bernardino and all in attendance, Father Grodnicki said, noting that Msgr. Michael J. Walsh, pastor of St. James Parish, Pennington, anointed Father Bernardino. All priests in attendance then laid hands on Father Bernardino’s head, giving him their blessings.

The reception that followed offered an opportunity for those in attendance to personally express their feelings about Father Bernardino and let him know that they will continue to keep him in prayer.

Father Sumanga accompanied his friend on the trip back to the Philippines Sept. 24.