Theologian, author Monsignor Vengco dies at 79

Theologian and author, Monsignor Sabino Vengco Jr., passed away on Monday, according to the report posted on the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) website.

Msgr. Vengco, who belongs to the Diocese of Malolos, died while confined at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center. The post did not mention the cause of his death. He was 79.

He was known for his involvement with the ministry dedicated to the welfare of the elderly and sick diocesan priests, the "Kadiwa ng Pagkapari Foundation."

The remains of Msgr. Vengco will lie in state until Wednesday morning in the Antipolo Cathedral.

Antipolo Bishop Francis de Leon will preside over a mass on 8 a.m. on Wednesday. 

Vengco also received awards including the “Dangal ng Lipi (Panglilingkod sa Pampamayanan)” by the Bulacan provincial government and the “San Jose Award” 2009 as an outstanding alumnus of San Jose Seminary for his work for the elderly priests and his commitment to the teaching ministry.

The Komisyon sa Wikang Pilipino awarded him the “Gawad Sagisag Quezon” for exemplary use of the Filipino language in Mass Media and the Catholic Mass Media Awards' "Serviam" award, which is given to groups and individuals who transmit Christian values through the media.

In 2003, Vengco was the “Bukas Palad” awardee of Ateneo de Manila University and the “Outstanding Catholic Author” honor in 1989. -- BAP, GMA News