THE VATICAN has approved the opening of the cause for beatification and canonization of Cesar Maria Guerrero, a Thomasian alumnus who served as the first bishop of Lingayen.
The approval will pave the way for the formal investigation of Guerrero’s life, virtues, and reputation for holiness ahead of the centennial jubilee of the Diocese of Lingayen in 2028. It also grants him the title of Servant of God, the first of the four steps on the path to sainthood.
“As we look toward the Centennial Jubilee of the Diocese of Lingayen in 2028, we see this as a profound gift of grace. May the life of Bishop Guerrero inspire us all to seek the face of Christ,” the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan said in a Facebook post on Saturday, Feb. 21.
A Servant of God whose heroic virtue is recognized by the pope will be given the title Venerable.
To be declared a saint, the Venerable should have two miracles attributed to his or her intercession. Once the first miracle is verified, the candidate is beatified and given the title Blessed. A second confirmed miracle is needed for canonization, which will make the candidate a saint.
According to the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan, Guerrero was born in Ermita, Manila, on January 26, 1885. He finished law in Santo Tomas before studying at the Gregorian University in Rome and living at the Latin American College.
Guerrero was ordained a priest in 1914. The following year, he returned to the Philippines to serve as an assistant parish priest in Binondo.
He was appointed chaplain of the Hospicio de San Jose in 1917. In 1929, he was named the first bishop of Lingayen on February 22, 1929.
Guerrero became Auxiliary Bishop of Manila in 1937 and organized the Catholic Action of the Philippines two years later.
After the second world war, the Thomasian bishop was accused of collaborating with Japanese invaders, but his treason case was dismissed in 1946.
Guerrero was appointed first bishop of San Fernando, Pampanga in 1949 and promoted the devotion to the Virgen de los Remedios or Our Lady of Remedies.
The Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan said Guerrero often wore a simple Franciscan brown habit instead of episcopal vestments. He was known for his humble lifestyle and was described by many as “Es sabio y santo!” or “He was wise and holy.”
His health issues forced him to resign in 1957, but this did not end his service to the Church as he opted to begin anew his ministry at the Hospicio de San Jose.
Guerrero passed away on March 27, 1961 after suffering from a heart attack.
The University of Santo Tomas has so far produced 10 saints and five blessed. F – Abigail Peralta
