Fr. Isabelo “Bel” San Luis, a priest of the Society of the Divine Word known for his work in Catholic media, died Wednesday, his congregation said. He was 81.
In a social media post, the SVD described San Luis as “a faithful servant of God and His people,” praising his lifelong dedication to ministry.
Fr. Elmar Castrodes Fiel, SVD, manager of Radio Veritas Asia, paid tribute to San Luis as his mentor in the media ministry.
“Your (Fr. Bel) wisdom, patience, and passion for evangelization through media shaped not only programs, but also the people behind the cameras,” Fiel said. “You taught us that communication is a ministry, and that every broadcast can be a prayer.”
Born in Laoag City, San Luis was ordained a priest in 1971. He held leadership roles including rector of the Divine Word Seminary in Urdaneta, Pangasinan, and president of Divine Word College of Laoag.
In 1987, he became editor of Divine Word Publications in Manila and later studied communications in London. From 1992 to 1999, he directed SVD publications, social communications and media projects across the Philippines.
He then served six years as parish priest at the National Shrine of Saint Jude Thaddeus in Manila.
Since 2005, San Luis has focused on media ministry. He was founder of the Mission Communication Foundation Inc., which helped promote the SVD’s missionary work, spiritual outreach and evangelization efforts.
San Luis also wrote for major newspapers, established the Family Mass television apostolate and produced the “Seven Last Words” program. His TV show “Salitang Buhay” brought his preaching into many Filipino homes.