Fr. Eulogio Roselada, OFM

Fr. Eoli is known for his diverse ministries, including service to the Asian community, itinerant preaching and hospital chaplaincy.

A native of Makati (Metro Manila), Philippines, “Eoli” was born on September 13, 1953, to Andres Roselada and Anacleta Bautista. Before joining the Franciscans, he was involved in retreat and youth ministry, taught religion, and served as a missionary across the Philippines, where he was involved in community organizing and the establishment of small Christian communities in both city parishes and rural villages. He also worked in the business sector in training and development and human resources.

Eoli was received into the Franciscan Order on July 5, 1987; made simple vows on Aug. 13, 1988; professed solemn vows on Sept. 28, 1991; and was ordained to the priesthood on June 26, 1993. He holds a bachelor’s degree with a major in philosophy from San Carlos Seminary in Makati and a Master of Divinity from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.

During his formation years, Eoli volunteered with the Ladies of Charity and was an observer for Teens Encounter Christ in Quincy, Illinois. He then spent a year in a nursing home apostolate in Franklin, Indiana. He served as a pastoral minister at Holy Cross Parish in Indianapolis, Indiana.

During his theological training at CTU from 1988 to 2002, Eoli served as an independent lecturer and facilitator of Tai Chi Chuan and meditation, and conducted various workshops on team building, collaborative ministry and liturgy. During the same time frame, he also served as a resource person in Filipino ministry for the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Asian Catholic Office.

After his ordination to the priesthood, Fr. Eoli served as a confessor and counselor at St. Peter’s in the Loop in Chicago from 1993 to 1996, assisting with pastoral and sacramental ministry, leading retreats and days of recollection, and conducting spiritual direction. From 1996 to 2002, he was engaged in itinerant preaching ministry, leading preached and directed retreats for various groups, along with facilitating parish missions and continuing to minister as a counselor and spiritual director.

In 2002, Fr. Eoli spent a year in a chaplain residency program at St. Mary’s Medical Center in San Francisco, California. From 2003 to 2017, he ministered as a staff chaplain at St. Francis Hospital and Resurrection Health Care in Evanston, Illinois. Fr. Eoli had most recently served as a chaplain at St. Elizabeth Hospital in O’Fallon, Illinois, beginning in 2017.

Along the way, Eoli was known as a master chess player, a bit of a marksman, and even a pretty good musician. He could often be heard singing old favorites while washing the dishes. Even on a brisk morning, you might find him out in the backyard performing a wonderful blend of Tai Chi and martial arts as part of his daily exercise. He even produced an instructional DVD to share his knowledge with others. Eoli was a devoted fan of Eastern medicine, natural remedies and energy healing. He had a deep love for his patients and often prayed for them at Evening Prayer.

Visitation for Fr. Eulogio Roselada, OFM, will be held Saturday, March 8 at 9 a.m. at St Anthony of Padua Church, 3140 Meramec Street, St Louis, MO 63118, followed by Mass at 10 a.m. Burial will be in the friars’ plot at Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery, 7030 Gravois Avenue, St Louis, MO 63116, with a luncheon back at St Anthony of Padua Parish Hall.

Fr. Eoli was preceded in death by his parents Andres and Anacleta, his sister Soly Muñoz and brothers José and Francis. He is survived by his siblings Andy, Fennie Beltran, Teresita Manzanilla, and Nennette Minton, his dearly loved nieces and nephews, and his many brother friars of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe.