March 21, 1938 – August 1, 2023
It is with deep sadness to inform you of the demise of Fr. Benito Manding this morning in El Camino Hospital in Mountain View after two weeks of hospitalization.
Fr. Ben Manding was born in the Philippines on March 21, 1938. He was ordained priest in 1966 for the Diocese of Tagbilaran in Bohol, The Philippines. His first assignment was as a seminary professor and prefect of discipline in the Diocesan Seminary of Tagbilaran from 1966 to 1969 and later as vice rector from 1969 to 1972. He served as chaplain and lecturer at the De La Salle University in Manila in 1972 and later as chaplain and faculty of Christian Brothers Academy in New York from 1972 to 1977. He returned to the Philippines in 1977 and served as chancellor and secretary to the Bishop of Tagbilaran.
In 1979, he immigrated to the United States, serving as parochial vicar of Five Wounds Church (1978-1980), campus minister at San Francisco State University and City College (1980-1981), parochial vicar at Saint Martin in Sunnyvale (1984-1987) and Saint Joseph of Mountain View (1989-1990). He also served on the faculty of Saint Joseph College Seminary in Los Altos (1984-1987). He became pastor of Saint Martin’s Parish in Sunnyvale in June 1990 until his retirement on June 7, 2008.
In the words of Monsignor Wilfredo Manrique, “Fr. Ben was a pioneer Filipino priest, a first in many respects. He was the first Filipino incardinated priest in the new Diocese of San José, and the first Filipino pastor of a parish. He was the first Vicar for Filipino Ministry, the first spiritual adviser of the Diocesan Council of Filipino Catholics, the first Filipino priest who taught at St. Joseph College Seminary, who also became a formator. In many ways, he led the way for us and made us proud. He served with utmost dedication. He was a scholar and priest, a philosopher who also had a great pastoral heart.”
Fr. Benito Manding was not only a devoted servant of God but also a loving brother and son. He was the eldest among ten siblings. He is preceded in death by his parents, Cristoto and Annunciacion Manding, and two of his sisters, Nina Manding (Jun Malicse) and Laura Manding (Jaime Aya-ay). Fr. Benito Manding’s surviving sisters include:
- Gundelina Manding married to Paciano Sambalud (deceased)
- Sr. Marie Claire Manding, SSpS (Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit)
- Sr. Cristeta Manding, SSpSAP (Sister-Servants of the Holy Spirit of Perpetual Adoration)
- Sr. Consolata Manding, DSP (Daughters of St. Paul)
- Remy Manding, who was married to Art Balatero (deceased)
- Nikki Manding, who was married to Leonie Montemayor
- Brigette Manding, who is married to Albert Nini
Please join in praying for Father Ben and his family. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let the perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Funeral Arrangements
AUG 1 – 9, 2023 6pm Rosary Novena @St. Martin
- led nightly, various groups per day (Guadalupanos, Divine Mercy Group, Rosarians, Luz’s group, Bible Study Group, Vietnamese Community, Hispanic Community, & Knights of Columbus)
Wednesday, AUGUST 23, 2023 FUNERAL SERVICES:
- 9am Visitation @St. Martin Parish
- 10:30am Testimonials and Eulogies @St. Martin Parish
- 11am Funeral Mass @St. Martin Parish| Msgr. Wilfredo Manrique, Presider | Rev. Joe Galang, Homilist
- Reception immediately after Mass @St. Martin Hall Parish | Hosted by the Community and Friends of Fr. Ben.
- 2:30pm Committal at Gate of Heaven
40-Day DEVOTION:
- September 10, 2023 ~ Sunday Masses @St. Martin Parish (Sunnyvale)
