Religioso Bien Asentado: Fr. Dunstan Huberto Decena laid to rest at Himlayang Pilipino

“In 1998, there was a broad number of religiosos bien asentados, and one of those is my brother, my classmate, Fr. Bert Decena,” said Fr. Buñao describing Rev. Fr. Dunstan Huberto M. Decena, OAR.

Rev. Fr. Emeterio Buñao was the homilist during the funeral mass of Rev. Fr. Dunstan Huberto M. Decena, OAR, on February 17, 2025, at Our Lady of Consolation Parish. Rev. Fr. Bernard C. Amparado, OAR, Prior Provincial, was the main celebrant.

In his sermon, Fr. Buñao recalled the creation of the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno and fittingly described Fr. Hubert as one of the religiosos bien asentados, who were a guarantee of the new province.

“I am proud of my classmate because he was one of those who built up the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno,” added Fr. Buñao, OAR.

Fr. Buñao is a long-time friend, classmate, and religious brother of Fr. Bert whose acquaintance stretches from their seminary formation to being seminary formators themselves. They both celebrated their 60th Anniversary of Simple Profession last August 24, 2024.

“We don’t cry, we don’t mourn, but we lift our minds and hearts to God and ask the Lord, grant Him eternal place in heaven,” said Fr. Buñao urging the congregation to have the same sentiment in accompanying Fr. Bert to his final resting place.

“Fr. Bert may you rest in peace,” Fr. Buñao ended.

Immediately after the mass, the remains of Rev. Fr. Dunstan Huberto M. Decena, OAR, were laid to rest in the new Mausoleum of the Augustinian Recollects at Himlayang Pilipino, Quezon City.

Rev. Fr. Dunstan Hubert M. Decena, OAR passed away nine days before his 84th birthday last February 11, 2025, caused by septic shock due to pneumonia.

Dedication of Aula Decena

Rev. Fr. Dunstan Huberto Decena, OAR, was the first dean of studies of Recoletos School of Theology during its affiliation with the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas.

Before the funeral mass, RST renamed Aula 1 into Aula Decena in recognition of his service to the school particularly his efforts to have RST affiliated with the Pontifical University.  

“Fr. Decena ensured that RST met the highest academic and ecclesiastical standards. His enduring contributions have profoundly shaped the formation of Recollect seminarians, as well as those from other congregations and dioceses who continue to benefit from RST’s academic excellence,” read the narrative during the Rite of Dedication.

Sr. Amelia Decena Agbay, OSS, and Mr. Patrick James Decena, niece and nephew of Fr. Decena led the ribbon cutting of the event.

Another family member, Rev. Fr. Persiuz Joseph Decena, OAR, grandson of Fr. Decena, unveiled the memorial of the newly-renamed aula with Fr. Mark Rochelle Renacia, OAR, RST Director.