Dr. Jose “Ka Jo” de Mesa
14 November 1946 – 15 April 2021
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
The Order of Carmelites in the Philippines is deeply saddened with the loss of Dr. Jose de Mesa – a scholar, a theologian, a professor, a father, and a friend.
As a Filipino Theologian, he dedicated himself in guiding his students to encounter God as the encompassing loving kindness, “Ang Diyos na Kagandahang-loob” who draws all people and the rest of creation to Himself. He labored in allowing us to see and reach the Holy Triune God in our own context, culture, and language as Filipinos.
His untiring efforts in doing Filipino theology did not only remain within the bounds of the academe but challenged young Filipino seminarians, religious, and lay people to use their experiences as avenues to encounter God in the ordinary, who continously call each one of us to work for the fulfillment of the reign of His loving kindness in the world.
We, your brothers and sisters in Carmel, will miss you, ka Jo. But surely, we believe that you now enjoy the fullness of the Kagandahang-loob ng Diyos, which you endeavored to proclaim all your life.
Rest in the Father’s loving embrace, Ka Jo.
Let us remember Ka Jo in our prayers.