Getting closer to sainthood

The Congregation for the Causes of Saints in the Vatican has approved the diocesan process for Camomot.

Fr. Mhar Vincent Balili, vice postulator of Camomot’s cause, confirmed that they received the decision through a letter from Cardinal Angelo Amato, prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.

The decision was made during the congregation’s regular meeting last Nov. 9.

In his letter, Amato said they received two diocesan inquiries on Camomot’s life, both submitted by the Archdiocese of Cebu in 2015 and 2017.

The diocesan process, considered as the first phase of the canonization process, aims to determine the life and virtues of a would-be saint.

Testimonies needed

Amato said that during their meeting, the congregation decided to deny the first inquiry but approved the second one after the postulators provided the necessary requirements.

Balili told SunStar Cebu that with the approval of the diocesan process, he and fellow postulator Fr. Samson Selloriquez no longer have to come up with a “positio,” or a dissertation, that will prove Camomot’s heroic life and virtues.

Balili said they will use the testimonies of witnesses and Camomot’s writings to help the “positio.”

Once the “positio” is submitted to the congregation, it will be reviewed by a team of theologians and cardinals.

If approved, the congregation will write a recommendation for the Pope. If the Pope gives his okay, Camomot will be declared “venerable.”

Balili urged Catholics to continue praying for Camomot’s cause.

He also urged those who were healed or were granted favors through Camomot’s intercession to approach them so their experiences can be recorded.