Priest: Seek ‘venerable’ archbishop’s help vs virus

MANILA, Philippines — The priest pushing for the sainthood of former Cebu Archbishop Teofilo Camomot has asked the faithful to seek the help of the late Filipino prelate in the country’s fight against the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Fr. Mhar Vincent Balili, vice postulator for the cause of the canonization of Camomot, also announced that the Vatican has approved the positio that could give the Cebuano archbishop the title “venerable” once approved by the Pope.

A “venerable” will be approved for beatification once a miracle is attributed to his intercession. With the Pope’s approval of a decree of a miracle, he can now be beatified, earning him the title of “blessed.”

A second miracle is needed before proceeding to canonization, which would then lead to his official declaration as “saint.”

Balili expressed belief that Camomot, who was known for his extreme generosity and love for the poor, could do something extraordinary for the country struggling to contain the spread of the contagious disease.

—Tina G. Santos