Padre Pio’s Capuchin companion blesses saint’s shrine in Batangas

In 2010, before retiring as Cebu archbishop, Cardinal Ricardo Jamin Vidal announced that the Holy See had approved the opening of the cause for beatification of Archbishop Teofilo Camomot of Cagayan de Oro.

The prelate, who hailed from Carcar, Cebu, had been known for his simplicity, love of the poor, and sanctity that bordered on the miraculous.

Vidal himself attested that Camomot could bilocate, having been seen in different places at the same time. This was the same attribution to such saints as Padre Pio.

Like Pio, too, Camomot was known for his Franciscan-mode poverty. Vidal had learned that the archbishop once pawned his pectoral cross and gave the money to the poor. Vidal gave Camomot a new cross and admonished him not to give it away.

The cross is now missing, people say. Apparently even in death, Camomot had been pawning whatever he had left behind to give away to the poor!

Camomot’s remains are said to be uncorrupted 25 years after his death. (He died in 1988.)

After Vidal’s retirement, the investigation into Camomot’s life continued under his successor, Archbishop José Palma.

Below is the prayer for the process of beatification of Archbishop Camomot if you want him to intercede for you. If you receive favors through him, please write to the Daughters of Sta. Teresa, Valladolid, Carcar, Cebu.

“Almighty and ever-living God, it was your grace and love that 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 and forever. Amen.

(Then recite one Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be.)

Padre Pio shrine

Thousands of the faithful braved the rains to witness the dedication and consecration of the Church of St. Padre Pio on Sept. 23, feast of the saint.

Manila Archbishop Emeritus Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales led the event. Concelebrating with him were Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles and Bishops Teodoro Bacani, Ruben Profugo and Salvador Quizon, and Fr. Ermelindo di Capua, OFM Cap.

Priests and lay participants of the annual general assembly of the Association of Shrines and Rectors of the Philippines also joined.

In his homily, Cardinal Rosales reminded the faithful that everyone is wounded. And this is the reason people come to the Shrine of St. Padre Pio in San Pedro, Sto. Tomas, Batangas. They seek healing which can only be obtained through an encounter with God, the cardinal said.

Protector against evil

The downpour, the flood and the traffic did not stop devotees from taking the opportunity to be blessed by Di Capua, the 79-year-old Italian Capuchin priest who lived with Padre Pio in the friary for three years (1965-1968). He led a concelebrated Mass with Fr. Joselin (Fr. Jojo) C. Gonda, rector of the shrine, and Fr. Manuel Guazon on Sept. 22.

Father Ermelindo told the faithful that Padre Pio is their guide and protector against evil.

Pilgrimage

A group of Filipino pilgrims will tour the Holy Land, Egypt and Jordan starting Nov. 5. On Dec. 18, the group will be in Bethlehem, an unforgettable experience.

For Padre Pio devotees, the Marian pilgrimage on Nov. 4 will have a special viewing of his incorrupt body.

The group will also visit Lourdes in France, Fatima in Portugal, and Rome, where they may have the chance to join a papal audience.

For details, call Adams Travel at 5223876, 5211651.

Silver jubilarians

Blessings to silver sacerdotal jubilarians: Fr. Rufino “Gigi” Yabut, parish priest of Sacred Heart Church in Caloocan (Sept. 17); Msgr. Hernando “Ding” Coronel, rector of San Carlos Seminary (Sept. 20); and Msgr. Roberto “Bobby” Canlas, rector of Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life, who will mark his 25th year as a priest on Oct. 22 in the church across SM Mall of Asia.