Beatification process on for Cebuano bishop

CEBU, Philippines – Relatives of the late Cebuano archbishop Teofilo Camomot remain optimistic he will soon be beatified and elevated to sainthood.

During the commemoration of the bishop's birthday yesterday, Camomot's sister Remedios shared they are not losing hope on her brother's possible beatification.

In a report on ABS-CBN's TV Patrol Central Visayas, Cebu archdiocese secretary Fr. Mhar Balili confirmed that the Congregation for the Causes of Saints already opened last January the diocesan process for Camomot's beatification.

On October 15, 2010, the Cebu archdiocese formed a commission to pursue the beatification of Camomot, a native of Carcar who was known for his genuine service and generosity to the poor.

Claims of miracles attributed to Camomot circulated after he was reportedly seen in two different places at the same time while he was still serving the clergy of Cebu, according to Lungsoranon, the official newsletter of the Catholic Church in Cebu.

Evidence of one authentic miracle is needed for the Vatican to declare a member of the faithful blessed.

Camomot was ordained as diocesan of the Archdiocese of Cebu on December 14, 1941, his first assignment being the parochial vicar in San Fernando Parish and then in Sta. Teresa de Avila Parish in Talisay City where he stayed for 14 years.

He was eventually appointed to help the metropolitan archbishop of Jaro, Iloilo as auxiliary bishop in 1955 and was given the title as titular bishop of Clysma. His ordination as prelate took place on May 29, 1955.

At 44, he was appointed coadjutor archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro on June 10, 1958.

He was also given the title of titular archbishop of Marcianopolis. But for some reasons, mainly health issues, while waiting for the seating archbishop to retire and have him succeed the cathedral, Archbishop Camomot resigned on June 17, 1970.

On September 27, 1988, Camomot, 74, died in a road accident on his way home to then Carcar town from Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City.

Archdiocese officials are contemplating on including Camomot's beatification as one of the petitions in the masses celebrated every Monday.

Beatification is the third of the four steps in the canonization process; a person who is beatified is given the title "Blessed." — JMD