Honorio “Norie” Mateo Sr. passed away September 27. He served the Church of the Nazarene for more than 50 years in several leadership capacities, including youth president, pastor, district superintendent, church planter, and board member of Nazarene higher educational institutions in the Philippines.

Mateo was one of the highly respected pillars of the Church of the Nazarene in the Philippines. He was a discipler and mentor to many, some of whom are now pastors and leaders themselves.

Philippine-Micronesia Field Strategy Coordinator Stephen Gualberto expressed his gratitude for Mateo.

“He was also my discipler and mentor during my early days as a Christian," Gualberto said. "He is one of my spiritual fathers. Our family came to know the Church of the Nazarene through his ministry. The Mateos are great friends of ours. We are sad that Norie is gone, but we celebrate his life because we know that he has finished the race well. He is now with the Father in Heaven, rejoicing in His presence and enjoying paradise.”

Despite this time of grief, the Mateo family is keeping a positive spirit and an unwavering faith. Jun Mateo, one of Norie's sons, said the family is a little envious because their father will finally be “in the presence of his Maker and God forever together with our mother, Percida.”

Mateo is survived by his children and grandchildren. His remains lie in Metro Manila First Church of the Nazarene in Quezon City, and interment is scheduled for October 1.

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region