Just as we are

“Sing to the Lord, praise the Lord, for he has rescued the life of the poor from the power of the evildoers.” (Jeremiah 20:13) The godfather of the sociably disadvantaged, Bishop Dubong (Rene Dupont) died at the age of 96 at 7:47 p.m. on Thursday. He wholeheartedly dedicated his life and energy to sharing the joy of the Gospels with those around him, without discrimination. He hoped for the church to work for the weak and the alienated. He sincerely believed that the church's mission is to be concerned about those who are having difficulties in life, to empower them and to give them hope. I believe he was ready to face his final moments in peace, letting go when a cerebral infarction struck a few days ago. He was blessed to go to the heavens just before the Lord’s Passion Sunday without much suffering. If I had to choose the words to capture his life, they would be "joyfully with dignity" and "simply with gratitude." I could see his cheerful spirit whenever I listened to his talks on YouTube. His last words to the priests of the Diocese of Andong were thank you. One day, after confess