The Filipino community of New York and New Jersey mourns the passing of the beloved Msgr. Oscar Aquino on September 1 due to a lingering illness. We are republishing below this piece written about him when he was awarded the People’s Ball Empowerment Award in 2023 by Fiesta In America.

The statement “Jack of all trades master to none,” did not apply to Rev. Msgr. Oscar A. Aquino because for 87 years he had empowered himself in all aspects in life.  He was culturally, socially, educationally, spiritually, and morally excellent and loved by the people from all walks of life.  He was referred to by Ambassador Cecilia Rebong as the Filipino Community in New York.

Msgr. Aquino was born in Mangaldan, Pangasinan on February 7, 1937 destined to be a priest. In all levels of his education he got the highest honors and finished his doctorate degree in Canon Law in Rome Summa Cum Laude simultaneously taking up Bachelor of Laws and Diplomate in International Pastoral Sociology. His dissertations were so outstanding that they were published in the Vatican and distributed to all Pontifical universities worldwide.  He was ordained on April 1, 1962.

Prior to coming to USA he was appointed as the Chancellor and Oeconomous of the Archdiocese and Superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Philippines, until he was made a Vicar General.  He also constructed several churches in honor of his parents.  He was promoted as a Monsignor in 1974, one of the youngest in his time. He assumed all of the duties of the ailing Rev. Msgr. Mariano Madriaga of the Archdiocese of Dagupan-Lingayen.  He also worked as the secretary and the chair of the late Pope Paul VI during his visit to the Philippines in 1970.

On his way to Rome, he dropped by the United States, spending some time in New York. He was approached by many struggling Filipinos experiencing immigration hardships and poor working relationship.  They needed an advocate and someone with stature to represent them. This changed his mind and settled in New York City to help Filipinos achieve their American Dream.  

Soon he became a very strong advocate for Filipino-Americans advocating for them amid issues involving drug disputes, harassments, racial discrimination and unfair labor conditions.  He provided venues for mediation, sports facilities for young people and even sponsored those without legal papers. He also recommended that abused women and homeless people be provided food and housing by the government.

By this time Msgr. Aquino was the co-pastor of the late Rev Fr. Robert Lott at St. Francis de Sales Church where they worked together for the rehabilitation of abandoned buildings into affordable housing units in East Harlem. They established the Assisted Living, a model home for the elderly on Fifth Avenue. Later he moved to St. Lucy Church as the administrator and when this was closed he moved to St. Malachy Church on 49th Street. “Monsie,” as he was called by people close to him, did not forget his kababayans. He donated regularly to the Gawad Kalinga projects, built the Seminary in San Fabian, Pangasinan, and supported the “Departure Area” for retired priests in Bonuan, Dagupan City.

Msgr. Oscar was a man full of humor. He loved to be with people in social gatherings or functions.  He is a “Yes Minister”, a dancer but he had to pause after he had an accident a few months ago. He was able to recover so quickly because of his positive attitude and strong faith in God. He wanted to continue serving the Lord even at his advancing age.

He was the Grand Marshal of the PIDCI in 2008, assisting in the celebration of the Philippine Independence Day parade. He was  a spiritual adviser to many organizations, churches and community-based organizations. He was at one time the president of the Filipino Priests in North America and had received numerous awards and citations.

At his age in 2023, he did not plan to retire. He  would forever be the Judge of the Metropolitan Tribunal and the loving pastor of everyone.  He believed that this Empowerment Award was long overdue but expressed appreciation for it. He believed the highest reward for a person’s toil is not what they get for it but what they become by it.