2008 Grand Marshal

Reverend Monsignor Oscar A. Aquino, JCD

Monsignor Aquino, born in Mangaldan, Pangasinan in the Philippines, as he is known to Filipinos and others, is the highest ranking Filipino in the Archdiocese of New York, where he serves as a Judge in the Metropolitan Tribunal. He is the Administrator of the Parish of St. Lucy in addition to remaining as the Pastoral Vicar of the Church of St. Francis de Sales, a position he has held for over a decade now. Both churches are in the upper east side of Manhattan. The Monsignor is also the spiritual director of several Filipino-American associations.

A young seminarian at age 11, he received his doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical University of St. John Lateran in Rome. Pope Paul VI personally conferred his doctorate degree. Back home, one of the most notable services he provided was to create seven new schools for poor children and served as the director while he assumed duties of an ailing Archbishop.

He eventually took a trip to New York where he has since served several parishes in East Harlem. He has not only served the Filipino-American community in the greater New York area but also continue to resolve disputes with drug gangs, counsel many in matters of immigration, matrimony, family matters and taking on challenging cases in the NY Matrimonial Tribunal and just about any other request for services that come his way. He helped set up 100 affordable housing units and the Residence for Assisted Living with activist Fr. Robert V. Lott in East Harlem.

He is best described as a humanitarian, spiritual adviser, doctor, counselor, judge, dancer, comedian, mediator and teacher. Finally, Monsignor Aquino is referred to by Consul General Cecile B. Rebong as ‘the Filipino-American community in the United States’.

Hundreds of the Filam Community leaders are expected to honor Monsignor at a momentous occasion.,The Grand Marshal Gala Nite , that will be held on Mar. 29, 2008 Saturday 7pm at the Astoria World Manor, in Queens NY.

“The PIDCI Grand Marshal is someone who can draw public interest to the events of the PIDCI and emulate the prestige and stature that PIDCI represents.

The honor of Grand Marshal is bestowed for the individual’s excellent leadership qualities, outstanding personal achievements, service and contribution in his field of endeavor, especially in the fields of community and/or public service.”