by Eva Visperas
THE sainthood cause for Cesar Maria Guerrero—the first bishop of Lingayen—formally opened on March 27.
The diocesan phase of the beatification process began with a Mass presided over by Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Dagupan City a report published on the official website of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, said.
The ceremony followed the Vatican’s issuance of a nihil obstat from the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, confirming that nothing stands in the way of advancing the cause.
“What a luminous twilight this is, as we begin the first steps that will hopefully lead to the canonization of the Servant of God, Bishop Cesar Maria Guerrero, our first bishop, whom his people hailed at his passing as sabio y santo—wise and holy,” Villegas said in his homily.
The Mass was concelebrated by Fidelis Layog and Renato Mayugba, chairman of the CBCP Office of Postulation for the Causes of Saints.
With the diocesan inquiry underway, Guerrero is now officially recognized as a “Servant of God.” Church authorities will compile detailed documentation examining his heroic virtues, along with any favors or miracles attributed to his intercession. A historical commission will also be formed in accordance with canon law.
Once the positio is submitted to the Vatican, the dicastery may recommend that the pope declare Guerrero “Venerable.” Beatification generally requires one verified posthumous miracle, while canonization typically requires a second.
The Vatican has recognized at least 22 sainthood causes from the Philippines, including three bishops: Teofilo Camomot, Alfredo Obviar, and Alfredo Verzosa.
Born Jan. 26, 1885 in Ermita, Manila, Guerrero first earned a law degree from the University of Santo Tomas before entering the priesthood and studying at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.
Ordained on Oct. 28, 1914, he returned to the Philippines and served in Binondo as well as chaplain of the Hospicio de San Jose. He later undertook missionary work in San Mateo before illness led to his appointment as secretary to Manila Archbishop Michael O’Dougherty
In 1929, Pope Pius XI appointed Guerrero the first bishop of Lingayen. He founded a diocesan seminary in Binmaley, strengthened clerical discipline, and promoted pastoral formation.
He later served as auxiliary bishop of Manila and organized the Catholic Action of the Philippines in 1939, expanding lay participation in Church life. After World War II, accusations of collaboration with Japanese forces were dismissed in 1946.
In 1949, he became the first bishop of San Fernando, where he promoted Marian devotion, established a seminary, and supported the Carmelite community in Angeles. Poor health led to his resignation in 1957.
Guerrero spent his final years in prayer and penance at the Hospicio de San Jose until his death on March 27, 1961. He was buried at the Carmelite Monastery in Angeles City.
Lorenzo Ruiz and Pedro Calungsod are currently the Philippines’ two canonized saints. (Eva Visperas)