Rev. Nelson Rivera Marilag

1960 - 2016

Rev. Nelson Rivera Marilag, a missionary priest in the Diocese of Fairbanks, died suddenly Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2016, at the Saint Ignatius Residence. He was 55 years old.
During his time with the Diocese of Fairbanks, the Rev. Nelson was assigned as a visiting priest to Immaculate Conception Parish in Kalskag; Holy Family Church in Holy Cross; St. Patrick Church in Barrow; St. Theresa Church in Aniak; and Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Russian Mission. He was Parochial Vicar of St. Raphael Church and St. Mark's University Parish in Fairbanks. He also assisted at Sacred Heart Cathedral, and he served as the chaplain for the Filipino Ministry and to the Fairbanks Correctional Center.
He was born Nov. 23, 1960, in Bayugan of Agusan del Sur, Philippines, the son of Enrique L. Marilag Sr. and Trinidad I. Rivera. Nelson attended Bayugan Elementary school, Father Urios High School in Bayugan; St. Peter College Seminary in Butuan City; and St. Francis Xavier Theology Seminary in Catalunan Grande, Davao City.
The Most Rev. Carmelo D.J. Morelos, at St. Joseph Cathedral, Butuan City, ordained him a priest June 2, 1987. The Rev. Nelson began serving the Diocese of Butuan, at Candelaria Parish, that same year. He continued his priestly ministries at St. Anne and St. Joachim Parish from 1988-89, Holy Redeemer Parish from 1989-1990, and Our Lady of Mt. Caramel Parish from 1990-2001. In 1990, he became director of Carmen Academy High School, where he served until 2001.
In 2002, he transferred to the United States, serving as parochial vicar of St. Anthony Parish in the Archdiocese of Anchorage. He volunteered to assist the Filipino Catholic Community in Barrow in 2010, flying back and forth from Anchorage to Barrow. The Rev. Nelson transferred to the Diocese of Fairbanks in 2012 to better serve the Filipino communities of Barrow and Fairbanks. He helped form the Filipino Catholic Community in Fairbanks and started the annual Simbang Gabi' services.
He became a United States citizen May 5, 2013. It was one of his proudest moments. Rev. Nelson loved Alaska and the people he served. He had an infectious laugh and an ebullient sense of humor. People wanted to be around him.
When asked if he minded the constant travel and sometimes-harsh environment missionary priest in Alaska endures he answered, "I can handle it all just fine. That's why I am here. I want to help. I want to be sent where I am most needed."
He will be remembered for living very simply, very humbly and for treating people with extreme graciousness.
He will be missed especially by the people he served, his priest community and by the staff of the churches and chancery offices.
Sister Marian Leaf, OSF, who serves resides in Aniak, writes: "My four parishes are deeply grieved at losing him. But, I believe a person who dies suddenly, without warning, always leaves a gift. Father Nelson's gift to us is a reminder of what is really important in life, a gift reminding us where our life is leading us, and a gift reminding us how much we love each other. Death always has a way of reminding us of our love."
Rev. Nelson preached you never know how God is going to call you. He discovered his calling to the priesthood by playing basketball in school, which would eventually lead him to the seminary and to the priesthood.
Bishop Chad Zielinski issued a statement describing the Rev. Nelson as "a quiet and reserved man who exemplified a genuine gentleness of spirit and a kindness and charity that knew no bounds. He fully embraced a true virtue of poverty, as his room appeared to be that of a man who lived an ascetical life. May his living witness be a reminder to us all to embrace the simple life, show a deep care and concern for others through our generosity by serving the Body of Christ."
A vigil service will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30, at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 1300 Peger Road, in Fairbanks. The funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at the cathedral. There will be a reception following the Mass. The Rev. Nelson will be interred in the Philippines, near his family.
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