The Life and Works of Gilbert Luis R. Centina III

When we think of Filipino literature, we often remember writers who used their words as vessels of faith, truth, and social reflection. Among them stands Gilbert Luis R. Centina III (1947–2020), a Catholic priest, poet, and author whose works transcend cultures and languages. A Life of Faith and Words Born in Manila, Centina became a member of the Order of Augustinian Recollects (O.A.R.) and was ordained as a priest in 1974. His vocation carried him across borders, serving communities in the Philippines, Spain, and the United States. Even while fulfilling his priestly duties, he never abandoned his passion for literature. His pen became his second ministry, allowing him to reach souls not just from the pulpit, but also through poetry and prose. Sadly, Centina passed away on May 1, 2020, in León, Spain, a victim of the COVID-19 pandemic. But his legacy lives on in the beauty of his words. A Multilingual Legacy Centina’s works were written in English, Spanish, and Filipino—a reflection o...