Monsignor Oscar Aquino, Esteemed Clergy of St. Malachy’s—The Actors’ Chapel, Dies at 88
Sep 2
2 min read
New York, NY — The Filipino American Catholic community in New York and parishioners of St. Malachy’s—The Actors’ Chapel are mourning the passing of Monsignor Oscar Aquino, who peacefully died on September 1, 2025, after decades of faithful service to the Church.
Monsignor Aquino, who recently marked his Diamond Jubilee in the priesthood, had dedicated over 60 years to pastoral ministry. At the time of his passing, he was serving as a clergy member “in residence” at St. Malachy’s, a historic parish in Midtown Manhattan known for its deep ties to the Broadway and theater community.
A distinguished scholar and spiritual leader, Monsignor Aquino earned a Doctorate in Canon Law in Rome (summa cum laude), a Bachelor of Laws, and a Diplomate in International Pastoral Sociology, with his dissertation published by the Vatican.
These achievements testified to his standing from the very start of his career in the Church.
Since his ordination on April 1, 1962, and his appointments as Chancellor and Oeconomous of the Archdiocese of Dagupan, Superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Philippines, and Vicar General, Monsignor Aquino blazed a trail as both a spiritual and lay leader. In New York, he became a trusted guide for Filipino Americans navigating various challenges, mediating in drug cases, discrimination, work disputes, domestic abuse, hunger, affordable housing, and immigration issues. He was also a strong advocate for faith-based and lay groups, offering spiritual guidance to countless organizations.
Monsignor Aquino’s pastoral work in New York included celebrating Masses for cultural and community events and connecting deeply with the Filipino American community. In 2016, he co-celebrated a memorial Mass for the late Dr. Helena Z. Benitez, a revered Filipino stateswoman.
Details of funeral arrangements and memorial services will be announced in the coming days. Parishioners and friends are expected to gather to celebrate his life, legacy, and enduring faith.
Monsignor Aquino’s passing leaves behind a legacy of humility, compassion, and unwavering devotion to both Church and community, cementing his place as an enduring spiritual leader and advocate for Filipino Americans in New York and beyond.
He was the only person in this planet who would willingly sign his name to any document that you would want him to, if it was necessary for your survival in the U.S., for immigration purposes, job purposes. What person, what priest would do that? As pastor of Saint Francis de Sales and St. Lucy he sponsored many illegals. We love you Monsignor. From Cecilia Kilayko Gullas, long-time resident of New York City.