Pinoy bishop a step closer to sainthood

MANILA, Philippines — The Vatican has affirmed the heroic virtues of the late Filipino archbishop Teofilo Camomot, bringing him a step closer to sainthood, an official of the Archdiocese of Cebu said yesterday.

Fr. Mhar Balili, vice postulator for Camomot’s cause, said all nine members of the Vatican’s theological commission of the congregation for the causes of saints unanimously approved the “positio” or the collection of accounts that would prove Camomot’s heroic virtues and fame of sanctity when he was serving the archdiocese.

“With this favorable outcome, the cause of beatification and Canonization of Bishop Camomot will be forwarded for further examination to the Commission of Bishops and Cardinals of the congregation,” Balili said in a statement.

After the examination, Camomot’s “positio” will be forwarded to Pope Francis before the late archbishop will be declared “venerable,” a title given to a deceased individual who is recognized formally by the pope as having lived heroic virtues.

Once Camomot is declared venerable, at least one miracle has to be attributed to him before he can be declared “blessed” through a beatification process.

A second miracle is needed before Camomot will be declared a saint through a canonization ritual led by Pope Francis.

Camomot was born in Barangay Cogon, Carcar town in Cebu on March 3, 1914.

He was appointed parish priest of the Sta. Teresa Parish in Talisay Cebu in 1943, and Titular Bishop of Clisma and auxiliary bishop of Jaro, Iloilo on March 26, 1955.

Camomot was known for his simplicity and for living a simple life when he was serving the Catholic Church.

He died in a road accident in San Fernando, Cebu on Sept. 27, 1988, at the age of 74 years.