Tributes have poured in following the death of Fr Allan Ocdenaria, who died peacefully in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Since 2023, Fr Allan served at Our Lady, Star of the Sea in North Berwick and Our Lady of the Waves in Dunbar.
He ministered faithfully in the Archdiocese from 2007, serving first at St Luke & St Anne’s in Dalkeith, before appointments at St Mary’s Cathedral, St John the Baptist in Fauldhouse, and St Matthew’s in Rosewell, Bonnyrigg and Gorebridge.
Following news of his death, many people posted tributes to him on social media.
Brian Arthur posted: “God bless Father Allan, you were genuinely one of the kindest souls I’ve ever had the fortune of meeting.”
Daren Lindsay wrote: “He was so humble, inspiring, had a great sense of humour, loved his music and inspired me to visit the Philippines. Such a brilliant priest. He’ll be missed.”
Allan Fernando Banga Ocdenaria was born in the Philippines on 30 May 1969, and is from Loreto, a village located in Cortes in the island province of Bohol.
Ordained to the priesthood in 2000, he later became incardinated into the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh. Last year, he celebrated the Silver Jubilee of his ordination.
Fr Allan served with quiet faithfulness and was deeply respected for his kindness, humility and devotion. He had been ill for some time and died at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. He would have been 57 on Saturday.
Holy Mass for the repose of his soul will be celebrated at Our Lady, Star of the Sea tonight (Wednesday 27 May) at 7:00pm. Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen.
