Archbishop Teofilo Camomot of Cebu moves an inch closer to becoming the third Filipino saint after the Vatican approved the ‘positio’ that would give him the title “Venerable’ once approved by Pope Francis.
Rev. Fr. Mhar Vincent Balili, vice postulator for the canonization of Archbishop Camomot said, the Vatican’s approval of the ‘positio’ “is a positive and joyful occasion that gives us hope in this time of pandemic and that there are saints to help us especially Archbishop Camomot, who was a Cebuano,” Balili said over Church-run Radio Veritas.
The ‘positio,’ is a summary of the life and virtues of Camomot. It includes the biography of the archbishop, the testimonies of witnesses, and explanation why he should be declared a saint of the Catholic Church. It follows the approval of the first stage in 2017, the diocesan process, that gave Camomot the title Servant of God.
The Congregation for the Causes of Saints in Rome approved the ‘positio’ of Camomot on June 17 after a thorough study by theologians, then the cardinal members, who then recommended it to the Holy Father, who will then give the title ‘Venerable.’
“From there, we wait for one miracle so that he will become ‘Blessed.’ And once he becomes Blessed, we will wait for another miracle for Camomot to be a Saint,” Balili, who is on top of the cause for Camomot’s sainthood, said.
The priest called on the faithful to keep praying for the cause of sainthood of Camomot. “We ask the faithful to disseminate information about the sanctity of Archbishop Camomot so that more people will pray and receive favors through his intercession,” he said. The priest urged the faithful to pray to the archbishop for help against the corona virus disease which is fast spreading in Cebu.
Fondly known as Monsignor Lolong, the late Church leader was known for his exceptional love for the poor. He died at the age of 74 in a vehicular accident in San Fernando town on Sept. 27, 1988. (Christina I. Hermoso)
