Oriental Mindoro Mourns Fr. Heribert Lohrengel, SVD: A Missionary Shepherd for Six Decades

The Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan (AVC) and the faithful of Oriental Mindoro mourn the passing of Fr. Heribert Lohrengel, SVD, a German missionary priest who served in the island province for nearly six decades. He died on September 23, 2025, in Germany, where he had been residing in retirement.

Born on November 29, 1937, and ordained on October 17, 1964, Fr. Lohrengel celebrated his golden jubilee of priesthood in 2014. From 1965 until 2023, he dedicated most of his priestly ministry to the AVC, serving as parish priest, formator, and finance consultant, leaving behind a legacy of faith, simplicity, and service.

A requiem mass will be presided over by Bishop Moises Magpantay Cuevas of Calapan on September 29, the Feast of the Archangels, at the Sto. Niño Cathedral in Calapan City, with other parishes across the vicariate, also holds memorial liturgies.

“It is with profound grief and sorrow that I learned of the passing of Father Heribert Lohrengel, SVD, who spent his entire missionary life across Mindoro Island for almost six decades,” Bishop Cuevas said in an official statement.

“As he left us for his heavenly abode, after having lovingly and devotedly served the Church, I feel deep affection, gratitude, and admiration for his missionary zeal in service to God and the Church. He touched us all with his humble heart, love for the poor, and simple lifestyle in keeping with the values of the Gospel,” he added.

Bishop Cuevas also expressed his sympathy to Fr. Lohrengel’s family and confreres in the Society of the Divine Word (SVD), assuring prayers for his eternal rest and inviting the clergy and lay faithful of Mindoro to participate in the requiem celebrations.

Special memorial masses have also been organized in places where Fr. Lohrengel had served. On September 27, St. Joseph Parish in Bongabong will hold a requiem mass presided by Fr. Ramon Falcunitin, who once received priestly guidance from him.

“For 14 years, he faithfully served in Bongabong, four years as assistant to Fr. Antonio Rekowski, SVD, and ten years as parish priest,” the parish noted. “He was instrumental in building the present parish church and rectory, as well as St. Joseph Academy and numerous barangay chapels.”

The Holy Spirit Parish in Barcenaga likewise announced a memorial mass on September 29 at 6 a.m. Fr. Lohrengel once served as our parish priest here (January 1996 – April 1997) and was a beloved spiritual leader in our community. Let us come together in prayer to remember his life, honor his service, and pray for the peace of his soul,” said parish priest Fr. Leo Gajol.

Meanwhile, messages of condolence and gratitude have poured into the SVD Philippines’ social media pages.

• “Requiescat in pace, thanks for being an inspiration in my priesthood!” – Fr. Vicente Uy, canon lawyer of the AVC.

• “Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord… You will not be forgotten by the AVC.” – Fr. Nestor Adalia, former apostolic administrator of the AVC.

• “My parish priest way back in 1984 on my regency in Naujan.” – Fr. Li-ung Maliksi.

• “You will not be forgotten.” – Parishioners of Villa Pag-Asa, Bansud.

Former parishioners, students, and youth ministry members also remembered his generosity and pastoral dedication:

• “Thank you for the memories when I started in the youth ministry.” – Germelyn Caraig, Saints Peter and Paul Chaplaincy.

• “Thank you for your good heart and legacy at St. Joseph Academy.” – Anna Asi.

• “I had been one of your altar boys during Holy Mass celebrations throughout the mid-’80s.” – Sherwin R. Anyayahan.

• “One of the best parish priests. He baptized me and gave me a scholarship at SJA. Thank you, Fr. Lohrengel.” – Gilbert Kong.

Parishioners recalled him as a fluent Tagalog speaker who immersed himself in local culture while tirelessly serving communities in Oriental Mindoro.

“Your dedication and legacy will be with us forever. May you rest in peace, Fr. Lohrengel. You will be missed by all,” said Rose Kong of Bongabong.