Gullas couple pays homage to Camomot

CEBU, Philippines — In Acts 9:15 of the Bible, the Lord said to Ananias: “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry My name.”

Cebuano philanthropists Jose “Dodong” Gullas and wife Nena felt being such instruments of spreading the Catholic teachings and values when they committed to help develop a property in Barangay Valladolid, Carcar City that is meant to honor the late Cebuano prelate Teofilo Camomot.

Camomot, a beloved bishop who, for many of his believers, lived by the virtues of serving the poor and the sick, is now on the road to sainthood.

The Gullas couple has visited the construction site of the Sta. Teresa de Avila Chapel in Valladolid many times before. But last Wednesday was different.

“When I saw the chapel, nakahilak ko (I was moved to tears). I am overwhelmed and I am so happy. This is very beautiful,” said Gullas, who is also the chairman of The FREEMAN.

“I take pleasure in remembering how my wife Nena and I started our annual pilgrimage to the Blessed Virgin in Lindogon, Simala, Cebu as it is significant prelude for us in getting to know the apostolic works and deep faith of Servant of God, Bishop Teofilo Camomot, to the Almighty,” Gullas said.

He recalled that during his term as congressman of the first district of Cebu, his brother Eddie prodded him to visit the Marian monks in an uphill barrio in Lindogon.

Gullas said that since their first visit, he and his wife had always felt the loving presence of Mama Mary.

“That time, my eye doctor made a diagnosis of an occlusion or blockage in the arteries, requiring an immediate operation. We sought the intercession of the Blessed Virgin and then my vision improved sans the operation,” he said.

Gullas spearheaded rehabilitation projects for roads leading to the shrine, making it easier for pilgrims to reach the area. He also helped with church improvements, sponsoring the “caro” during solemn procession on the feast day, and the like.

“I have sought the intercession of Mama Mary countless times and we make it a point to be able to attend and sponsor the 10:30 morning mass on the bisperas, every September 7,” he said.

This mass, Gullas said, is usually celebrated by the late, His Eminence Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, and co-celebrated by his good friend, the late Msgr. Esteban Binghay.

According to Gullas, it was the good cardinal who went out of his way to invite Nena and him to share lunch with Fra. Martin.

A few years ago, another opportunity to help unfolded for the couple.

The two had to skip a lunch banquet so they can go to the Daughters of Sta. Teresa Motherhouse in Valladolid, Carcar, the final resting place of Camomot.

“I was deeply touched after we paid homage and offered prayers in Bishop Camomot’s tomb. So much so that my prayer, dream and hope at that time was that in my journey in life, I would be able to engrave a little footprint of kindness to those who needed any help and assistance in whatever form,” Gullas said.

Gullas said that he then blurted out to the Sister who was there, “Is there anything Dodong and Nena can do for our brother, Bishop Camomot?”

“Was it the Holy Spirit that made me ask the question? Was it the call of Bishop Camomot? I still don’t know even until now. Perhaps I’ll never will,” he said.

Call it providential that prior to their visit, a DST nun mentioned that somebody would be visiting the tomb and do something for Bishop Camomot.

“All I can say is that in all waking moments in my journey in life, I pray that the Lord will walk with me, every step of the way,” Gullas said.

Gullas, a staunch supporter of Camomot's sainthood, believes that the latter is instrumental to the miracles in his life, like having a daughter with wife Nena.

A few years later after the Gullases' visit, the Domus Teofilo was erected. And after that, the chapel of Sta. Teresa de Avila followed.

DST is a congregation founded by Camomot some 60 years ago. It is one of those actively working for the canonization of Camomot to become the next Filipino saint after San Lorenzo Ruiz and San Pedro Calungsod. (FREEMAN)