News & Updates

In Memoriam:

THE RT. REV. BARTOLOME OSORIO ESPARTERO
(June 13, 1955 – October 17, 2024)

Bishop Bartolome O. Espartero, second diocesan bishop of DGMA, passed away on October 17, 2024, at the age of 69 years.  He suffered from a lingering disease and was given the last rites (virtually) by his good friend, the Rev. Dr. Winfred Vergara (former IFI priest) of The Episcopal Church based in New York City. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Bona Maglantay, and daughter, Christine (“Barbie”) Espartero. 

His remains lie in estate at the Maglantay’s residence in Centro Weste, Libertad, Antique; then to be transferred on November 5, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. to St. Thomas Aquinas Parish where he  served as a former rector.  A Requiem Mass on November 6, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. will be followed by burial at the Libertad Municipal Cemetery in Libertad, Antique.

Bishop Bart was installed as diocesan bishop of DGMA by His Eminence, the Most Rev. Ephraim S. Fajutagana (IFI’s 12th Obispo Maximo), on January 11, 2015, in the Cathedral of the Crucified Lord in Barangay Apolonio Samson, Quezon City. He succeeded Bishop Gregorio delos Reyes upon the latter’s retirement in 2012. Guests present during his installation included the Most Rev. Renato Abibico, Prime Bishop of the Episcopal Church in the Philippines (ECP); the Rt. Rev. Dixie Taclobao, also of the ECP; and the Rev. Canon Stephen Miller, Regional Director for East Asia of the Mission to Seafarers of the Anglican Church (UK).  Others in attendance were IFI Bishops Joselito Cruz, Gregorio delos Reyes, and Virgilio Gallo.

Born in Pandan, Antique, on June 13, 1955 to his parents, Hugo Espartero and Elena Osorio, he received his primary and secondary education close to his home town.  He was awarded several college degrees, including a Bachelor of Science in Education (Secondary Education), Bachelor in Theology (SATS), Post Graduate Diploma in Mission Studies (U.K.), and a Doctor in Divinity in the Pacific Seminary in Berkeley, California. 

His life and service to the Church were marked by his illustrious appointments in various positions, as follows:  

According to Bishop Bart’s own words, his management style was “Servant Leadership”: “I came not to be served but to serve.” This leadership style could be summed up in three words: Communication, Consultation, and Collaboration.  Communication was of prime importance; but Consultation and Collaboration were needed for ecumenical and inter-religious cooperation.

Credited to his salient accomplishments in the Diocese were the following: (1) “The Voice” (in the wilderness) – a diocesan newsletter publication with the Rev. Dr. Hermogenes Verano as editor-in-charge. Bishop Bart had a regular column called, “Bishop’s Brew” (“Bishop’s Art of Random Thoughts” or BART), where he shared his comments on issues and current church events.

(2) Diocesan House of Studies – curriculum (courses) designed for Perpetual Diaconal Ministry and Lay Leadership Education – became the precursor to adoptation by the other dioceses. Block courses were designed and handled by: The Rev. Dr. Guillermo Juan, Jr., the Rev. Dr. Hermogenes Verano, Rev. Frs. Nixon Jose and Danilo Janagap.

(3) Redesign of the Diocesan Seal – designed by Jojo Ballesteros and rationale written by the Rev. Fr. Nixon Jose.

(4) SCB Meeting hosted by DGMA – May 2-6, 2016 at the Aberdeen Court, Q,C. 

(5) Mission to Seafarers Philippines – Chair of the Coordinating Body for the IFI.

In the General Assembly of May 2017, Bishop Bart decided to run for the highest office in the IFI, that of the Supreme Bishop or the so-called “Obispo Maximo.” He was not fortunate as the Synod elected the Bishop of Surigao, the Rt. Rev. Rhee Timbang to be the 13th Obispo Maximo.  He then opted to retire to join and respond to the needs of his family in Libertad.

FAREWELL, BISHOP BART! REST IN PEACE IN THE BOSOM OF THE LORD!

Contributed by:
The Rev. Vicky Esguerra