Next Filipino Saint

Venerable Archbishop Teofilo Camomot – The Holy Prelate of Cebu

Cebu, is known as the birthplace of the Catholic Faith in the Philippines where the faith was so alive and colorful since the Spanish era. It is in Cebu where the famed and canonically crowned images of Santo Niño de Cebu, the Virgen de la Regla, and Virgen de Guadalupe of Cebu are enshrined and the birthplace of our second Filipino Saint – St. Pedro Calungsod.

In recent years, local and national news outlets report the sanctity of one of Cebu’s illustrious prelates that gained much publicity and fame – the Venerable Archbishop Teofilo Camomot. Let us get to know more about this Holy Bishop from the Visayas and discover how he became beloved by his flock and holy life led to his cause for sainthood.

Venerable Archbishop Camomot with his parents

Early Life

Archbishop Teofilo Camomot was born on March 3, 1914, in Barangay Cogon, Carcar, Cebu, to Luis Camomot and Angela Bastida. He was baptized the following day, and on August 22, 1915, he received the Sacrament of Confirmation.

At an early age, Teofilo was already exposed to a very religious environment. He spent his elementary years at Carcar Elementary School where he was fondly called “Lolong” by his classmates, friends, and relatives. After graduating from elementary, Lolong decided to help his father on the farm and dreamt of being an agriculturist, which his mother disapproved of. Even at a young age, he already showed signs of love and concern for the poor, asking his mother for some rice or food so that he can give to the farmers and poor people. Once when his elder brother, Fr. Diosdado, visited and saw that he was not attending school, he asked him if he wanted to enter the seminary.

Answering the call

Camomot entered the Seminario Menor de San Carlos in Mabolo, Cebu City, for his secondary education from 1932 to 1933, pursuing his philosophical and theological studies at the Seminario Mayor de San Carlos. He was ordained a priest on 14 December 1941, celebrating his Cantamisa (first Mass of a newly ordained priest) on the second floor of his home instead of his parish in Carcar because of the outbreak of the Second World War.

For twelve years, he served as the parish priest of Santa Teresa de Ávila Parish in Talisay. In 1955, the Third Order of Carmelites Discalced (now the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites) was established at the Carmelite Monastery in Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City, and he was elected as the first prior of the San Elías Chapter.

As a Shepherd of a flock

On 25 March 25, 1955, Feast of the Annunciation, Fr. Camomot was appointed auxiliary bishop of Jaro, Iloilo, receiving episcopal ordination on May 29, 1955, and staying in Jaro until 1959. After Masses, he kept himself busy by visiting the poor, especially those who are sick. In 1959, he was sent to the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro as coadjutor archbishop with the right of succession. During these years, he formed communities that would help the Church in the work of evangelization: the Paulinian Faith Defenders and the Carmelite Tertiaries of the Blessed Eucharist, the forerunners of the Daughters of Saint Teresa.

Between 1962 and 1965, he attended the first (October 11, 1962 – December 8, 1962), third (September 14, 1964 – November 21, 1964), and fourth (September 14, 1965 – December 8, 1965) sessions of the Second Vatican Council. During the Second Vatican Council, he was one of the participants for which he had to endure traveling by sea from the Philippines to Rome in the fourth class of a luxury liner. Even though he was in Europe, his generosity especially to the poor, and his simplicity were observed by those around him.

Due to kidney problems, he resigned his position as coadjutor archbishop in 1970. He came back to Cebu and was assigned in Santo Tomás de Villanueva Parish in Barangay El Pardo, Cebu City. Together with him were some sisters from the congregation he founded in Mindanao. From Pardo, he was assigned to his native town in Carcar in the year 1976. Aside from being the pastor of the parish, he was also auxiliary bishop to Julio Cardinal Rosales. Again, his generosity became very well known that rectory workers began complaining about the number of poor people lining up to ask for food. His brothers and sisters would even remind him to be more cautious of the people whom he was helping because his generosity might be abused, but he always saw the goodness in every person he met.

Archbishop Lolong’s ministry

Archbishop Camomot was not much of an eloquent preacher or a convincing speaker, but his actions spoke louder than words. He was noted for his diligence in his pastoral duties (spending hours in the Confessional), devotion to prayer (waking up very early for his morning prayers and meditation), as well as his numerous works of charity. His parishioners until now cannot forget his simplicity, his personal holiness, and his apostolic works, especially among the poor, the sick, the homeless, and the suffering. His simplicity was attested by so many people even fellow prelates. There were many stories about the Archbishop’s Franciscan-like poverty. Cardinal Vidal has once told that on one occasion he noticed that Archbishop Camomot was not wearing his pectoral cross, the cross that a bishop wears on his breast. Curious, he asked Monsignor Camomot about it. He made some excuse. Later a priest told the Cardinal that the Archbishop had pawned his cross to give some money to the poor. The Cardinal later gave him a new cross and told him not to give it away.

He was also known for his spiritual gifts of healing, reading hearts, levitation, and bilocation. Cebu archbishop emeritus Ricardo Jamin Vidal said there were several testimonies about Camomot’s bilocation or there were people who would see him present in two places at the same time. The archbishop has signed an affidavit in relation to a witness’ account on this phenomenon where Camomot was drowsing beside him at a meeting of the College of Consultors. “I have already authenticated his presence at a meeting. But a woman said at that time he was in a mountain barangay (in Carcar) giving the last sacrament to a dying person,” he said. “He (Camomot) was at my left, and Archbishop (Manuel) Salvador– discussing the pastoral (thrust) of the diocese—at my right. I said ‘Monsignor, we have a votation and you have to vote,'” he added.

Funeral of Venerable Archbishop Teofilo Camomot

An unexpected end

On September 27, 1988, after celebrating the feast of Saint Vincent de Paul at the Seminario Mayor de San Carlos and visiting the Carmelite Monastery in Barangay Mabolo, Archbishop Camomot traveled home to Carcar with his chauffeur. While he was asleep, his vehicle overturned in Sitio Magtalisay, Barangay Sangat, San Fernando, Cebu. Camomot immediately died from his injuries at about 02:00 pm, but his chauffeur survived. Thousands were shocked by the news of his death and he was greatly mourned that thousands attended Archbishop Camomot’s funeral at the municipal cemetery. In 2009, his body was exhumed for transfer to the Daughters of Santa Teresa convent in Valladolid, Carcar City.

The cause for his sainthood

The Daughters of Saint Teresa formally petitioned for the opening of a cause for beatification and canonization. On October 15, 2010, Feast of St. Teresa of Avila, Cardinal Vidal announced that the Holy See has approved the opening of the cause for beatification and canonization. On December 27, 2010, Cardinal Vidal formed a commission to look into the possibility of beatification. After the Diocesan Phase, the Congregation for the Causes for Saints will have to certify the results. Then a Positio Super Vita et Virtutibus (On the Life and Virtues) will have to be written and submitted.

On May 21, 2022, Pope Francis, through the Congregation of the Causes of Saints, promulgated the decree of heroic virtues of the Servant of God Archbishop Teofilo naming him as Venerable.

His tomb behind the chapel of the DST Convent in Valladolid, Carcar City has become a pilgrimage site for devotees of Archbishop Camomot, who admire the example of his life and believe in the efficacy of his intercession. One of the most publicized miracles of Archbishop Lolong was the cure of a nun who had a serious eye disease who was suddenly cured when she laid on the bed of the Servant of God. The major dates of pilgrimage are on his birthday on March 3 and his death anniversary on 27 September 27. Near the tomb, a museum displays various items he had used in his lifetime.

Before we conclude this blogpost dedicated to Servant of God Teofilo Camomot, here is the official prayer to the Servant of God to ask for favors and for the advancement of the cause of his beatification and canonization

Almighty and ever-living God, it was Your grace and love of you that you made your servant, Teofilo Camomot devote his life to your service, as Priest and Bishop, a life of self-abnegation, constant prayer, and generous love for the poor and the needy. Grant that his virtues provide a lasting example for all and merit the approval of the Church that he be raised to the Altars.

As a sign of your benevolence to your servant’s cause, we humbly implore you to bestow upon us this favor (mention your request)

In the Name of Jesus, Our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

Our Father … Hail Mary … Glory Be …

For favors received through Venerable Archbishop Teofilo Camomot, kindly inform or write to:

Daughters of Saint Teresa
Valladolid, Carcar City Cebu, 6019
Philippines
Telephone No.: +6332 487-9233
Mobile No.: +63 919-995-9350

References:

“Archbishop Teofilo Camomot Bastida”. catholic-hierarchy.org. Retrieved 16 April 2017.
“Archbishop Teofilo Camomot The Road to Sainthood”. cebudailynews.inquirer.net. Retrieved 16 April 2017.
“Archbishop Teofilo B. Camomot, D.D.” archbishopcamomot.ph. Retrieved 16 April 2017.
Mayol, Ador Vincent (3 January 2018). “Remains of Archbishop Camomot, candidate for sainthood, exhumed”. Inquirer.Net. Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 12 April 2019.
“Beatification of Archbp. Teofilo Camomot, D.D.” dst.ph. Retrieved 16 April 2017.
“Vatican opens cause for beatification of Archbishop Camomot of Carcar, Cebu”. lifestyle.inquirer.net. Retrieved April 16 2017.

Credits to the owners of the photos that were utilized for this blogpost dedicated to Servant of God Archbishop Teofilo Camomot.
+AM+DG+

Servant of God Bishop Alfredo Verzosa – The Holy, Selfless and Valiant Ilocano Bishop

In our present time, our local bishops faced much hatred and controversy due to politics, accusations of some anomalies and hatred of our Catholic faith. But if we are going to look back in our own history, such incidents already existed and very few rise above it through their faithful service and obedience to God’s will. This was the life of Servant of God Bishop Alfredo Verzosa, the first Ilocano Bishop and the First Filipino Bishop of Lipa. Although he was one of the pioneers in our church history, he worked hard for his flock and suffered much yet he endured them for the love of God, Our Blessed Mother and his beloved Church.

Early life

Alfredo Florentin Verzosa was born in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, on December 9, 1877 from the well-to-do Verzosa clan. The family, being a seedbed for his sanctity, was deeply religious. His family was financial patron in the Cathedral parish. In the ‘Cuadro de Honor’ found at the cathedral entrance, the names of Don Alejandro and those of Socorro were listed as donors. An old priest disclosed that the Versozas belonged to a pious family who would be seen almost the whole day in prayer, at church.

His Life as a Priest

At a young age, he entered the seminary at Nueva Segovia, and ordained in 1904. Alfredo as a priest of Neuva Segovia dealt with a schism in his constituent area. Many priests in his diocese switched affiliation to the Aglipayan Church. As a young priest, he visited towns to propagate the Catholic faith. An account mentions of a pastor from another sect who warned him not to go on a barrio mission. Versoza proceeded despite of the warning and went towards the barrio on horseback. A spear was hurled towards Versoza which killed his horse but he survived. In the year 1909, the bishop sent Fr. Verzosa for a mission in the Province of Ilocos Norte – bulwark of the Aglipayans.

The First Ilocano Bishop

On September 6, 1916, Pope Benedict XV named Fr. Alfredo Verzosa as second Bishop of Lipa, he was 39 years old. Bishop-elect Verzosa was then consecrated bishop on January 20, 1917. He is the fourth Filipino to be elevated as Bishop and the first from Northern Luzon – the first Ilocano.

He was also known as the great builder. Bishop Verzosa was untiring and diligent in his efforts to propagate the Church. During the years 1917 – 1951, he had opened several catechetical centers, established schools, built churches, seminaries, and convents. He founded the Missionary Catechists of the Sacred Heart, together with Sister Laura Mendoza, a widow and catechist, a congregation whose main apostolate is catechesis and the education of the youth.

He was also instrumental in allowing the establishment of foreign religious congregations in our soil to help spread the word of God in our youth. Truly, we are fortunate to have a shepherd like Bishop Alfredo Verzosa, whose concern is always for the good of the Church and the growth of Faith. He even used his own inheritance money to subsidize his projects.

The outbreak of the Second World War

When World War II broke out, several thousands of priests, nuns, and civilians were killed. The good bishop Verzosa tasked himself in helping the survivors escape the brutality of war by evacuating them to remote barrios safely.

It was unfortunate that many of his projects, the schools, religious houses and the seminaries, were reduced to ashes after the war. He lost no time in rebuilding. He was able to source funds from the Philippine War Damage Commission, and also dipped from his personal funds. On the very spot where thousands were massacred, Bishop Verzosa built the Carmelite monastery. He invited Carmelite nuns to live there, so that their powerful prayers may serve as reparations for the bloodshed committed there.

The image of Mary, Mediatrix of All Grace based from the supposed visions of former Carmelite postulant Teresita Castillo

The Lipa Events

In 1948, a young postulant named Teresita Castillo from the said monastery claimed seeing apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Rose petals showered the convent, and the news spread that miracles were taking place.

At first, the bishop was skeptical, and wanted to warn the nuns on getting carried away by sensationalism. When rose petals fell on him while inside the convent, the experience left him speechless. After that, he allowed the veneration by the public to go on.

However, in 1951, a negative verdict was given to the Lipa events and it has affected many, and personages were removed from office. One of them was the good Bishop Verzosa. The administration of the diocese was then transferred to the young Bishop Rufino Santos as Apostolic Administrator.

His silent way of the Cross

Bishop Verzosa returned to Vigan and lived in poverty. Rome gave him the Titular Bishop of Capsa. Without having anyone to turn to, he suffered a traumatic, nervous breakdown. Fr. Gregorio Salvatus, who was sent by Bishop Alfredo Obviar, to take care of the ailing bishop, said that “without his prayers, his life would be despairing.” One of the most memorable lines of Bishop Verzosa was, “I’m still far from being gold!” For he remind the people a portion in the Holy Scriptures that in order for a metal to become real metal and gold become pure gold, it must be tried by fire (cf. Mal. 3:3). The mission of Bishop Verzosa was a heavy task – filled with sacrifices and obstacles. He gave all he had for others and took “part in suffering, as a loyal soldier of Christ Jesus.” (2 Tim. 2:3)

Though he may have been thought a poor administrator, he excelled in the primary duty of his office, which was to bring more souls to the faith. He focused on establishing catechetical centers and sending catechists throughout the far-flung corners of his diocese.

Nevertheless, records show that prior to his relief, he was engaged with the reconstruction of the churches that had been levelled by the war, and that the first installment of the damage claim was used to settle the debts and finance the needs of various religious orders.

On his way “In Patria”

On the night of June 27, 1954, Sunday, Bishop Verzosa asked for the final Sacrament of Extreme Unction. After Fr. Salvatus gave him Extreme Unction and Apostolic Blessing, the bishop merited a peaceful and tranquil death at the age of 76. The late Fr. Senen Encarnacion, who was the Bishop’s confidante, mentioned that he had died happily with a conviction that he served God, the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Church with all his heart and might. The bishop’s remains were interred in a mausoleum intended for bishops of Nueva Segovia at the Cathedral of Vigan.

The tomb of Servant of God Bishop Alfredo Verzosa at Vigan Cathedral, Ilocos Sur

The Cause of his Sainthood

In 2013 , led by the Most Rev. Ernesto Salgado DD, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia opened his official cause for beatification. In 2015, the Congregation for the Causes of Saints granted Nihil Obstat on his cause for sainthood and as of this date, pilgrims would visit Vigan Cathedral where his moral remains were laid to rest for veneration of the faithful and testimonies of granted favors are being gathered as of this writing.

The life of Bishop Alfredo Verzosa was one of a life of missionary zeal, charity and suffering. As a shepherd, he took care of the spiritual needs of his flock tirelessly to ensure that they are nourished with God’s grace. In his times of trial, he accepted them and his faith kept him alive and it never wavered until the end. May his life will become an inspiration to our clergy for his selfless love for God and His flock and for us as well on accepting our sufferings with humility.

As we conclude this blogpost, here is the prayer for the cause of beatification and canonization of Servant of God Bishop Alfredo Verzosa:

Lord, our God, through the Most Sacred Heart of Your Son, we thank You for having given us your faithful shepherd Bishop Alfredo Verzosa. His life is an exemplary model of humility, obedience and patient endurance in suffering. He revealed to us Your compassion for the multitude by his example of love for the poor and the needy.

Grant us, through his intercession the grace we ask of You. (Mention your request)

And if it is Your divine will, may his sanctity be lifted up to the altars so that in him more people will be drawn to You. We ask this through Mary, our Mother, in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

For favors granted through the intercession of Servant of God Bishop Alfredo Verzosa, you may communicate them at the following:

Missionary Catechist of the Sacred Heart Convent
St. John the Baptist Parish,
San Juan, Ilocos Sur

MCSH Motherhouse
Sabang 4217 Lipa City, Batangas

Reference:

Josue, Ericson, Miles Christi: The Soldier of Christ – A short of biography of His Excellency, the Most Rev. Alfredo F. Verzosa, DD, 2003.
Rico, Liza, Alfredo Verzosa: A Saint in our time, 2014, Retrieved from https://noonbreakbalita.com/2014/583/alfredo-versoza-saint-time/ on June 18, 2019.
Vigan begins cause for Verzosa’s beatification. Retrieved from cbcpnews.com. Retrieved June 15, 2019.

A Young Master of Joy – The Life and Journey of Servant of God Darwin Ramos

With the recent news of a new Servant of God was added to the roster of soon to be Filipino Saints, many asked who was this teenage Filipino that will soon join the ranks of our own Holy Men to be exalted in our altars.

It is the proper time to get to know more who is Servant of God Darwin Ramos, who lived a impoverished life, then found hope and suffered a grave illness yet he still kept his faith alive and inspired many which can be compared to the likes of St. Anna Schaffer and Blessed Alessandrina de Costa.

The Family life of Darwin

Darwin Ramos was born on December 17, 1994 in Doña Marta Maternity Hospital, in Pasay City. Darwin spent his early years with his family on P. Villanueva St., Pasay City. Their house was in a slum between EDSA and Libertad stations (elevated rail transport). Darwin was the second child of a very poor family. His mother worked as a laundrywoman to earn some money to feed the whole family. His father was an alcoholic. In order to help his family, Darwin became a scavenger (waste picker) in the street, with his sister Marimar who was two years younger. They spent their day going through garbage to recover plastic waste which they sold. Unfortunately, they did not go to school because the search for food was more important.

The beginning of his Cross

The initial symptoms of what will later be diagnosed as Duchenne muscular dystrophy appeared. This began as weakness of the legs. Then, his mother noticed that Darwin was stumbling increasingly. Progressively, Darwin could no longer stand and his muscles weakened.

Poverty pushed the family to live on the street. His father took advantage of Darwin’s illness and he would position Darwin every morning at the Libertad station to beg from passers-by who took pity on the boy. In spite of the terrible shame felt by Darwin, hundreds of pesos fell into his hands which he held out painfully. His father was taking a large portion of the money to buy alcohol. Darwin did not say anything as long as a sufficient portion was used to feed his brothers and sisters.

A ray of hope

Servant of God Darwin Ramos at the Tulay ng Kabataan Foundation

In 2006, a group of street educators of the Tulay ng Kabataan Foundation, which was already regularly meeting with Darwin for a few days at the Libertad station, were able to fetch him. Darwin saw that the Foundation could help him and he agreed to be fetched. Darwin could no longer stand up but he could use his hands and remain seated without assistance

At the Tulay ng Kabataan Foundation, Darwin lived with children with special needs caused by different disabilities. He discovered the Catholic faith. He was baptized on December 23, 2006 at the Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace, Our Lady of EDSA (EDSA Shrine). One year after, he received First Communion and Confirmation from the hands of the Auxiliary Bishop of Manila, His Excellency Broderick Pabillo., D.D., at the chapel of the Major Seminary of San Carlos, Guadalupe.

A Mission of Suffering

Darwin suffered more respiratory distress that require several hospitalizations. Despite of his painful condition, he uplifted the staff and the children at the Foundation by the way he lived with his illness. He was constantly repeating “Thank you” and “I love you.” He never complained and always smiled even during difficult times. He was attentive to all and showed support to the other children at the Foundation in their trials. He had the habit of offering his sufferings. When he was speaking of his illness, he did not talk about his myopathy but of what he was calling it his “mission.” Darwin developed a deep love for Christ that there isn’t a day passed that the young boy did not take time out to entrust himself to Jesus. A caregiver from the Foundation testified: “One day, when Darwin was feverish, he insisted to be helped in getting out of bed to join the others in the center so that he could lead the evening prayer. It was Jesus before anything else.”

Darwin’s Holy Week

On Sunday, September 16, 2012, the nurse of the Foundation decided to bring Darwin to PCMC (Philippine Children’s Medical Center, Quezon City) because he had difficulty in breathing. When the priest in charge of the Tulay ng Kabataan Foundation arrived at his bedside, the first thing that Darwin did was to excuse himself for causing him worries. Darwin added as he breathed laboriously: “Thank you for everything Father.” Then began what some would call “Darwin’s Holy Week”:

On Monday, Darwin was intubated. He was not able to talk anymore. It was only possible to lip-read him, but he was able to write in a notebook.

Darwin then received the anointing of the sick. On Friday, he looked peaceful and had a big smile. He wrote his 2 last sentences in a notebook: “A huge thank you” and “I am very happy.” as a sign of a battle won. Darwin, intimately united with the Lord in his suffering, was already sharing the joy. On Saturday, Darwin entered into a great silence while remaining conscious. Darwin died on Sunday, September 23, 2012, at sunrise, at Philippine Children’s Medical Center, Quezon City. The funeral mass was celebrated in a full church, attended by all the children of the Tulay ng Kabataan Foundation. Darwin is buried in the Pasay City Cemetery.

The burial of Servant of God Darwin Ramos

The Cause of beatification and canonization

In the Philippines, the memory of Darwin’s life remains in the minds of many. People continue to gather at his tomb in Pasay City Cemetery. In France, Father Matthieu Dauchez wrote a book in 2015 entitled “Plus fort que les ténèbres” [Stronger than Darkness]. In 2016, Daniel-Ange de Maupeou d’Ableiges wrote another book entitled “Prophètes de la Beauté” [Prophets of Beauty] which first pages are dedicated to the life of Darwin Ramos.

Many of readers were touched by this example of Joy and Love through disease and suffering, while Darwin is only an adolescent, and testified of the graces received by his intercession: “In spite of the disease, it is his joy of living and his luminous glance that will have touched more than one. Darwin has left the image of a young boy edifying with holiness, who despite his young age, quickly realized that his illness, much more than an irreversible ordeal, was none the less a mission… A mission guided by the One he loved so much to call his Friend: Jesus.”

In 2018, the “Darwin Ramos Association” requested His Excellency Honesto Ongtioco, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Cubao, to initiate the Cause of beatification and canonization of Darwin Ramos. The “Darwin Ramos Association” on March 14, 2018 assigned Father Thomas de Gabory, OP, as Postulator. His Excellency Honesto Ongtioco confirmed this nomination by Decree of May 25, 2018. The Postulator officially addressed the written request (Supplex Libellus) to open the Cause of beatification and canonization of Darwin Ramos on June 20, 2018. The acceptance letter was signed on November 7, 2018. Father Robert T. Young, a Filipino Canon lawyer, has been nominated as vice-postulator.

On March 29, 2019, the Congregation for the Causes of Saints accepted and signed with Nihil Obstat the document for the Cause for the Beatification and Canonization of Darwin Ramos through it’s Prefect, His Eminence Angelo Cardinal Becciu in Rome. The Cause for his beatification and canonization was formally opened on August 28, 2019 – Feast of St. Augustine of Hippo.

As we learn the inspiring life story of our new Servant of God, let us imitate his virtues and be the light in the midst of our national and personal darkness that we experienced as of this moment.

Before ending this blog post, here is the official prayer for the Beatification and Canonization of Servant of God Darwin Ramos

O God of all Joy, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, you never leave alone those who are in a time of trial. We thank you for giving us, in Darwin Ramos, a street child, an illuminating example of Christian life. During his short life you gave him the grace of simple never-failing faith, of joyful hope in illness, of endless charitable concern for his neighbor. We pray you grant your servant Darwin glorification on earth so that young and sick people may find in him a master of Joy. Through his intercession, hear our prayer, (express it here). We ask this, through Jesus-Christ, our Lord, Amen.

Imprimatur:
Honesto Ongtioco, DD
Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Cubao
November 22, 2018

For any favors through the intercession of Servant of God Darwin Ramos, kindly log in to https://darwin-ramos.org/prayers/ or to the following address:

Tulay ng Kabataan Foundation Inc.
94 Kalayaan Ave., Quezon City

References:

Matthieu Dauchez, “Plus fort que les ténèbres [Stronger than Darkness]”, Paris (France), Éditions Artège [fr], 2015, 168 p. (ISBN 9782360403363)
Daniel-Ange de Maupeou d’Ableiges [fr], “Prophètes de la Beauté [Prophets of Beauty]”, Montrouge (France), Éditions du Jubilé [fr], 2016, 236 p. (ISBN 9782866795658), pp. 25-38.
“Ma Figure Spirituelle, Darwin Ramos”, La Vie, 29 avril 2015.
Alexandra Chapeleau, “La mission de Darwin Ramos: Plus fort que les ténèbres”, retrieved on fr.zenith.org, March 20, 2015.
Archives preserved by the Postulation of the Cause of Beatification and Canonization.

Photos courtesy of the Darwin Ramos Foundation.

Venerable Mother Rosario Arroyo de la Visitación: The Strong Willed Servant of Our Lord and Our Lady

In previous articles in this blog, we’ve introduced the lives of important pioneer Filipina Foundresses of different Religious Orders/Congregations for women in the country from the likes of Venerable Ignacia del Espiritu Santo of the Religious of the Virgin Mary, Servants of God Cecilia and Rosa Talangpaz of the Augustinian Recollect Sisters and the Servant of God Francisca del Espiritu Santo of the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of Siena. This time, we will introduce another Foundress who made an impact in the history of the Filipino Catholic Church who’s cause for beatification and canonization is on its way.

Mother Rosario Arroyo, or “Madre Sayong” to her sisters, was born on February 17, 1884, in Molo, Iloilo to Ignacio Arroyo and Doña Maria Pidal as the only daughter of three children. Her two brothers were José María Arroyo, who later became a senator in 1919 and Mariano Arroyo, later elected as the Governor of Ilolo in 1928. She was christened María Beatriz del Rosario at Sta. Ana Church in Molo, Iloilo on February 20, 1884 by Rev. Fr. Agapito Buenaflor. A noteworthy tradition of her family was almsgiving; Rosario thus participated in the corporal works of mercy from an early age. Unspoilt by her affluent upbringing as a member of the aristocracy, she preferred a simple life reportedly donated her inheritance to the congregation upon becoming an heiress.

She first attended classes in a private school in Molo called the Colegio de Sta. Ana. In preparation for her first communion, she was transferred to the Colegio de San José which is administered by the Daughters of Charity. She stayed in San José until she finished her elementary education.

Heeding the Call

When the young María Beatriz moved to Manila to finish her studies at the Beaterio de Santa Catalina, she felt a call to religious life and soon made her religious profession to Dominican Order on January 3, 1914. On the day of her profession, she took the name “Rosario de la Visitacion” in reference to her strong devotion to the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary. After which, she taught at the Beaterio in Manila and later in Lingayen, Pangasinan.

In the early years of her religious life, she distinguished herself by a solid love of prayer and a life of poverty in a strict religious observance. By this time, her parents, with the approval of the last American bishop of Jaro, the Most Rev. James McCloskey, D.D., made proper preparations for the foundation of the “Beaterio del Santisimo Rosario” in Molo, Iloilo City.

They received formal permission from the Holy See on July 24, 1925. Mother Rosario, accompanied by two Dominican Sisters from Santa Catalina, were the pioneers of the new foundation on February 18, 1927. A few years later, on March 14, 1933, the Congregation became juridically independent.

Madre Sayong on the day of her profession

The Congregation

During the early years of the Beaterio, like most of the newly founded Beaterios, Madre Sayong faced many trials in administration to address the growing needs of the expanding Beaterio. One of her biggest crosses was during the Second World War when her Beaterio was sequestered by the Japanese forces in 1945 who made it their headquarters and the subsequent bombings of the American forces months after during the period of liberation. Despite these hardships, Madre Sayong remained faithful and trusted in God’s Divine Providence to sustain her Beaterio during those trying times.

When the Beaterio was restored on May 5, 1952, the new constitutions for the Beaterio was finally approved and became the “Congregación Madres Dominicanas Terciarías de Sto. Domingo”. During its First General Chapter, Mother Rosario was elected as the First Superior General of the Congregation on January 4, 1953. Some years later, on April 15, 1958, the Diocesan Decree of Erection of the “Madres Dominicanas Terciarías de Santo Domingo” was issued and in 1958, the new Congregation was formally affiliated to the Order of Preachers by the Master General, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Brown, OP.

The death of Mother Rosario Arroyo de la Visitacion

Madre Sayong’s Return to the Father

Four years after her election as the Mother Superior of the Congregation, Madre Sayong or Madre Maestra as she was lovingly called, died in the odor of sanctity on June 14, 1957 at the age of 75 after serving the congregation for 32 years. Her death certificate states that the immediate cause of her demise was hypertension and heart disease and the time of death was at 8:30 pm.

Mother Rosario’s last will and testament testified to her heroic observance of the vow of poverty by making the Congregation the sole heir of her inheritance. Her funeral was attended by both ecclesiastical and civil dignitaries and people from all walks of life, particularly the underprivileged, whom she cared and dedicated her entire life.

Mother Rosario was initially buried at the Roman Catholic Cemetery of Molo but on July 23, 1982, a few decades after her death, her remains were transferred to a crypt at the garden of the Molo Dominican Motherhouse. On October 7, 2008, her remains were once again moved from the garden to its final resting place at the chapel of the Motherhouse of the Dominican Sisters of Molo.

The Congregation at Present

With the present membership of over 250 sisters, Mother Rosario’s congregation runs multiple schools, colleges and retreat houses. Nationally, the Congregation has professed sisters in the archdioceses of Jaro, Capiz, and Manila, as well as the dioceses of Bacolod, Imus, Mati, San José de Antique, and Tagum.

The congregation also has overseas presence in the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Ngong in Kenya; At the Convitto San Tommaso (Convitto Internazionale San Tommaso d’Aquino) in Rome; the Parish of San Quirico d’Orcia in Valdorcia, Tuscany in the Archdiocese of Siena-Colle di Val d’Elsa-Montalcino (Italy); and in the Archdiocese of San Francisco and the Diocese of Honolulu in the United States.

The Cause for Beatification and Canonization

Mother Rosario’s cause for sainthood is currently under process. In the Roman Catholic Church, several miracles are currently being investigated purportedly attributed to her intercession. On July 28, 2009, Most Rev. Angel Lagdameo, DD, Archbishop-Emeritus of Jaro issued an edict declaring that he is initiating the diocesan process for the Cause of the Canonization of the Servant of God Mother Rosario Arroyo de la Visitacion which was officially opened on the 7th day of October 2009 at the parish church of St. Anne, Molo, Iloilo City.

The Cause of Mother Rosario Arroyo was initiated by the Mother Rosario Arroyo Commission (MRAC) headed by former Superior General, Mother Visitacion Alecto, O.P. Later, Rev. Fr. Samson S. Silloriquez, OAR, was constituted as the Postulator who petitioned Archbishop Angel N. Lagdameo to decree the Initial Diocesan Process for the Cause of Mother Rosario’s beatification and canonization.

On June 12, 2019, Pope Francis receives in audience Cardinal Angelo Becciu, Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, and authorizes the promulgation of decrees regarding eight causes for canonization. One of them was the casue of Mother Rosario Arroyo and all eight were declared Venerable.

The opening of the cause of Venerable Mother Rosario Arroyo de la Visitación

The legacy of Madre Sayong

Madre Sayong’s life can perhaps be best pictured in paradoxes. She may born in one of the most affluent families in the country but chose a life of poverty in imitation of the life of Our Lord and Our Lady; She was gentle by nature but was very strong in the faith; She was almost always in position of authority yet she was ever ready to be of service to others. She personified optimism and unfaltering trust in God’s loving providence. Through her unconditional self-giving, she enriched the lives of others as she wrote in her diary “We should love our neighbors as ourselves without interest.”

The legacy of Mother Rosario may be summarized through the following points:

Her deep love for God;
strong love for neighbor;
her exemplary love for the Blessed Virgin Mary through her burning devotion in praying the Rosary which she first learned at the lap of her mother;
and leadership by example.

The Dominican Sisters of the Holy Rosary who, to this day, lives on her legacy and continues their Foundress’ mission.

As we end this article dedicated to the strong-willed foundress, here is the official prayer for the Beatification and Canonization of the Venerable Mother Rosario Arroyo de la Visitacion, OP:

O most loving and merciful Father, You constantly build up Your Church through Your faithful servants who dedicate themselves to You in love, service and generosity. We thank you, loving Father, for you have shown through Your beloved servant, Venerable Mother Rosario, Your constant love and care in the world by accepting within the Church a religious family whose members dedicate themselves to the education and formation of Your people.

We beg you, loving Father, to raise Venerable Mother Rosario to the glory of the Blessed Ones. May her love and dedication to the work of Your Son, continue to inspire young women and men to serve Christ faithfully. We ask this through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

(Here you may present your petition to God through the prayers of Mother Rosario)

One Our Father, One Hail Mary and One Glory Be

For petitions granted through the intercession of Venerable Mother Rosario Arroyo de la Visitacion, please the testimonies at:

Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary of the Philippines
Molo, Iloilo City, the Philippines
337-9820/ 338-0272

References:

Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary of the Philippines (2011), “Mother Rosario Arroyo de la Visitacion: Foundress”, Makinaugalingon Printer and Bookbinder, Molo, Iloilo.
Salvilla, Rex, (2009), “Canonization process for Mother Rosario Arroyo’s sainthood begins”, The News Today.