AROUND 6,000 people attended the thanksgiving mass in honor of Venerable Teofilo Camomot at his hometown in Carcar City, southern Cebu on Wednesday, July 27, 2022.
The solemn thanksgiving mass and promulgation of the decree of heroic virtue to Camomot held at the St. Teresa Chapel in Barangay Valladolid was presided over by Archbishop Charles Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, and several bishops from various parts of the country.
Holiness in life
In his homily during the mass, Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Jose Cabantan said his personal experience with Camomot began when he was one of many children who received the sacrament of confirmation while still living in his hometown in Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental. Camomot was then the coadjutor archbishop of Cagayan de Oro and was assigned in a parish in Balingasag in the same region.
Cabantan said he personally witnessed Camomot’s holiness, including his love of bringing sacraments to even the most far-flung areas of his jurisdiction.
Cabantan also described Camomot to be a simple man, who dedicated himself to prayer and to helping others such as the less fortunate, even to the point of denying himself even the simple pleasures in life.
“According to one sister who served him, his usual dinner was misua and egg, which at times were served with malunggay,” the prelate added.
Cabantan said Camomot, during his term as coadjutor archbishop of Cagayan de Oro, was also known for his extreme generosity.
“He was known for his generosity, even though he was often deceived by those he helped,” Cabantan added.
Cabantan said his Archdiocese is truly grateful to Camomot for the legacy that he left behind including the establishment of several religious communities and associations that would help in promoting the Christian faith there.
“We are truly indeed grateful to Venerable Camomot for the good things he has done for us and for the whole Archdiocese. The legacies he left are truly remarkable which fosters holiness among us clergy, religious and lay faithful. His life and wisdom led us to glorify the Lord in all this,” Cabantan added.
Testimonies
Aside from Cabantan, several people from different walks of life attended the mass to not only give thanks to Camomot, but also to testify on his holiness and generosity.
Kintery Sato, 35, told SunStar Cebu that he volunteered to help in the solemn celebration despite his disability. Sato, who lives in Carcar City, has been suffering from polio since childhood.
Sato said he was inspired to serve the church after becoming a devotee of Camomot.
Aside from Sato, Gilda Boltron Ugbamin, 57, of Barangay Tuyom of the same city, said she often seeks Camomot’s intercession, whether to ask for good health or success for her children.
She attested to Camomot’s miraculous intercession, claiming that praying for the late prelate’s intercession had helped alleviate her husband’s illness.
Ugbamin further said that if Camomot will be elevated into a saint, this will bring pride not only to Carcar but to the entire Cebu.
No hitches
Hours before the thanksgiving mass began, devotees had already started to flock to the venue.
As of 2 p.m. on Wednesday, the police had estimated around 1,500 pilgrims present.
According to Lt. Col. Ardioleto Cabagnot, Carcar City Police Station chief, around 240 police personnel, emergency responders and force multipliers were deployed for the program.
Cabagnot said no untoward incidents were recorded aside from some individuals who felt dizzy due to the warm temperature.
Medical personnel were able to provide immediate assistance to these devotees, said Cabagnot.
Support
Separately, Carcar City Mayor Patrick Barcenas also believes that the road to sainthood of Camomot will have an impact on the faith of his constituents.
“Dako kaayo ni og impact dili lang sa mga Carcaranon, Cebuano, kon dili sa tibuok Pilipinas mga naa na pud kitay usa ka Filipino nga mamahimong santos,” said Barcenas.
The Philippines already has two saints: San Lorenzo Ruiz and San Pedro Calungsod.
Barcenas assured that his City will continue to give support to the Archdiocese in promoting Camomot’s cause for sainthood.
Now that Camomot has been declared “Venerable,” the Catholic Church is looking for two miracles to further elevate his status.
The title “Venerable” is given to a deceased person, a servant of God, in the first of three stages leading to beatification and canonization.