Devotees gather around an image of Archbishop Teofilo Camomot posted on a box containing documents that would be sent to Rome lobbying for the cause of his sainthood in this Feb. 2014 file photo.
The Cebu Archdiocese said it is nearing completion of its documentation of the testimonies of 46 witnesses and the writings of the late Archbishop Teofilo Camomot as part of their efforts to lobby for his canonization.
Fr. Mhar Vincent Balili, vice-postulator of the cause for sainthood of the Cebuano prelate, said they secured the testimonies of all 46 witnesses who had been with Camomot when he was still alive.
He said they also gathered Camomot’s writings, majority of which were under the care of the Daughters of Saint Teresa (DST), a religious congregation founded by the late archbishop.
The Archdiocesan Theological Commission confirmed that Camomot’s writings were all in accordance to the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Camomot, a native of Carcar, is known for his love and service to the poor.
The Sacred Congregation for the Causes of Saints (SCCS) had earlier granted the opening of a cause for his beatification and asked the Cebu Archdiocese to send all documents confirming that Camomot led a life of holiness and faith.
Fr. Balili said the Church investigation involves the gathering of historical documents and data, published writings and chronological account of Camomot’s life through testimonies of witnesses.
Balili said another important process for Camomot’s beatification is to look for a miracle.
He said there were witnesses who believed they recovered from major illnesses because of the late bishop’s intercession.
When asked about the challenges in processing the documents for Camomot’s sainthood, Balili said that everything just fell into place. “There’s really just divine intervention ,” he said.
Fr. Balili said they hope to finish the documentation process before Camomot’s birthday on March 3.
Camomot was born in Barangay Cogon, Carcar on March 3, 1914, the third of eight children born to Luis and Angela Bastida Camomot.
He died in a car accident in San Fernando town on Sept. 27, 1988.
Fr. Barili said if Camomot’s cause for sainthood will be approved by the Vatican, he will become the third Filipino saint following St. Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila and St. Pedro Calungsod./USJ-R Intern Jheysel Ann Tangaro