Bishop of the Poor

During the commemoration, Ramento was once again remembered by the people who worked with him in church as well as people he worked with in his different advocacies such as human rights. “He was a church leader not so much concerned about creating a name. He was more concerned about what the church could do for the people,” Rev. Fr. Rex RB Reyes, general secretary of the NCCP, said.

“All his life, he led a simple life, fully devoted to his vocation as a ‘shepherd of the flock’, ministering and serving the needs of the deprived, oppressed and exploited peasants and workers, the street children and the poor of the earth,” IFI Supreme Bishop David said.

“He was a church leader not so much concerned about creating a name. He was more concerned about what the church could do for the people,” Rev. Fr. Rex RB Reyes said of the good bishop. (Photo by Anne Marxze D. Umil / bulatlat.com)

When workers of Hacienda Luisita were on strike, Ramento was a staunch supporter. Lito Bais, president of United Luisita Workers Union said Ramento frequently visited them during their strike.

“In his speeches, he always boosted our morale, that’s why we would never forget him. And when he was killed, an exemplary leader was taken away from us,” Bais said.

“As long as there are people who fight for the welfare of the poor, we would not stop seeking justice because that is what father was doing when he was still alive,” Altes said.

Fr. Joe Dizon said it is time that the church should use its influence, resources and knowledge to serve the poor and the oppressed such as the peasants and workers. “There is no let down in being prophets. Let us give voice to those who have no voice, ears for those who cannot hear and eyes for those who cannot see,” said Dizon. (Bulatlat.com)

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