Cardinal Gaudencio Borbon Rosales is a former Archbishop of Manila known for his dedication to priests, missionary work, and evangelical visits to families.

Affectionately known as “Lolo Dency,” Rosales was born on August 10, 1932, in Batangas City, Philippines. He attended Batangas Elementary School, St. Bridget’s Grade School, and Batangas High School before pursuing his theological studies at San José Seminary. Rosales was ordained priest on March 23, 1958, by Bishop Alejandro Olalia.

Following his ordination, Rosales spent 12 years teaching at St. Francis Minor Seminary in Lipa. In 1970, he received his first parish assignment at St. Vincent Ferrer Parish in Barangay Banay-banay, Lipa, where he initiated the Kumpisalang Bayan, a common celebration of God’s Mercy. He later served as parish priest of the Immaculate Conception Parish in Batangas City, where he continued his missionary work through regular house-to-house visits.

On August 12, 1974, Rosales was appointed titular Bishop of Oescus and Auxiliary of Manila, receiving his episcopal consecration on October 28 of the same year. During this time, he served as rector of San Carlos Seminary and president of the Commission for Seminaries of the Philippines Bishops’ Conference. He was also appointed National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies and the Mission Society of the Philippines.

Rosales’s ecclesiastical career continued to advance as he was appointed Coadjutor Bishop of Malaybalay on June 9, 1982, and became Bishop of the diocese on September 14, 1984. He later served as Archbishop of Lipa from December 30, 1992, until his appointment as Archbishop of Manila on September 15, 2003.

Throughout his ministry, Rosales was known for his dedication to priests, regularly visiting old and sickly clergy members and supporting young priests. He also focused on missionary work, organizing catechism classes and conducting evangelical visits to families.

On February 22, 2006, it was announced that Rosales would be elevated to the College of Cardinals. He was created and proclaimed cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in the consistory of March 24, 2006, with the title of Santissimo Nome di Maria a Via Latina.

Cardinal Rosales served as Archbishop of Manila until his resignation was accepted on October 13, 2011. He was the fourth native Filipino to hold this prestigious post and is currently the longest-lived Filipino cardinal.