The blessing of the Fortich Hall and the launching of two books detailing the life and legacy of the late Bishop Antonio Y. Fortich, a champion of the poor devoted to justice and peace, took place at the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Barangay Bata on Tuesday afternoon, January 13.
“Bishop Fortich was not only as a figure of the past, but a compass for the present. In a time marked by deepening poverty, ecological degradation, persistent violence, and a crisis of governance, his life reminds us that the Church must remain credible, compassionate, and courageous”, San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza said in his video message at the event.
The date, January 13, commemorates Bishop Fortich’s appointment as the third bishop of the Diocese of Bacolod in 1967, Fr. Aniceto “Mao” Buenafe, the parish priest of Barangay Bata, said.
“Today marks the 59th anniversary of his appointment as bishop… that most opportune moment in the destiny of Negros Occidental, when a champion of the poor, a man devoted to justice and peace, became a beacon of hope for us all,” Buenafe said.
The event featured the launch of two books: Vir Fortis and A Shepherd’s Journey.
Vir Fortis was authored by four diocesan priests who were proteges of Fortich: Fr. Dimitri Gatia, Msgr. Rufino “Toto” Suplido, and the late Msgr. Victorino Rivas and Fr. Romeo Empestan.
The title is derived from a Latin phrase roughly translated as “a man of strength and courage.”
A Shepherd’s Journey serves as a compilation of heartfelt messages, letters, and articles contributed by individuals from diverse backgrounds shortly after the bishop’s passing.
Vir Fortis is priced at P1,000, while A Shepherd’s Journey is available for P500. All proceeds from the book sales will go directly to the Bata parish.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, in his speech at the event, said the two books do more than just recount history—they preserve a legacy that shaped the soul of Negros Occidental.
The governor noted that Bishop Fortich served the Diocese of Bacolod during one of the most difficult periods in the history of the province.
“He chose to stand with the poor, the farmers, the workers, and the marginalized, not from a distance, but in genuine solidarity. Under his leadership, the Church in Negros Occidental became a living presence among the people,” Lacson said.
“He strengthened social action, encouraged communities, and spoke clearly and fearlessly for justice and human dignity,” he added.
Lacson emphasized that the books allow the community to remember not only the man but the true meaning of his mission.
“For Bishop Fortich, peace was never abstract. It was inseparable from justice. It meant addressing hunger, inequality, and exclusion. It meant ensuring that development did not leave the most vulnerable behind,” the governor added.
Fortich’s life serves as a reminder that leadership—whether in the Church or in government—is about service at its core, he said.
“Leadership is, above all, about choosing purpose over position. It is about choosing courage over comfort, service over silence, and justice over indifference. His life reminds us that faith finds its fullest meaning when it is lived in solidarity with the people—especially the forgotten and the vulnerable,” Lacson said.
“May his example continue to inspire us. May his vision continue to challenge us,” the governor said.*