Don Bosco Philippines South Province

Homily on the Memorial of St Vincent De Paul, Wednesday, 25th Week in OT, 27 Sept 2023

n this day thirty-five years ago, a certain bishop died in a vehicular accident along the highway in San Fernando, Cebu. His name is Teofilo Camomot, the retired coadjutor Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro, and a native of Carcar.

Earlier that day on the 27th of September 1988, he celebrated Mass for the feast of St. Vincent de Paul at the Seminario Mayor de San Carlos in Mabolo Cebu City. And then after visiting the Carmelite Monastery nearby, he was driven home to Carcar by his driver. It was along the highway in Barangay Sangat, San Fernando that same day when their vehicle overturned thus killing the Archbishop on the spot. His untimely death brought sorrow and grief to thousands who attended his funeral but at the same time gave them great inspiration and sure hope.

Msgr. Camomot was ordained a priest in 1941 at the onset of World War II, and years later, in 1955, he was made a bishop. As a pastor Msgr. Camomot tried to do a lot of good work especially for the poor, the sick, and the neediest people in society. And he performed such acts of charity selflessly without counting the cost. One time he even pawned his Episcopal ring at a leading pawnshop so that he can have some money to give to a poor person asking for help.

He also established various groups and associations in the Church for priests as well as for the lay faithful in order to help them remain faithful to their respective vocation and empower them to do more good for the poor and the needy. One of the groups he formed was the Carmelite Tertiaries of the Blessed Eucharist (CTBE) whose main apostolate was education and catechesis, parish assistance and charitable works. This lay organization would eventually become a religious congregation for women known today as the Daughters of St Teresa (DST).

Very few might know this, but Msgr. Camomot also made the long and difficult trip all the way to Rome in order to participate in the historic Second Vatican Council.

Years after his death in 1988, the cause for his canonization was opened. And just last year on May 21, 2022, Msgr. Camomot was officially declared venerable by Pope Francis on the basis of the authentic signs of holiness he had manifested in his prayer life and works of charity. We hope and pray that through his intercession God may continue to work extraordinary miracles for us and thus lead the Church to grant him the highest honor of being beatified and canonized a saint soon.

In the meantime, the Church honors today St. Vincent de Paul, a French priest and Founder of the Congregation of the Mission (also known as the Vincentians) as well as the Daughters of Charity. Like the twelve Apostles in the gospel passage we have heard today, both St Vincent de Paul and Ven. Teofilo Camomot responded generously to God’s call to shepherd his people. Though three hundred years apart, both of them tried to zealously preach the Good News to the poor, and faithfully exercised their ministry of healing and deliverance especially to those afflicted in body and spirit. After striving to live a life of holiness, both of them passed on to heaven on this same day to receive their everlasting reward.

Aided by their powerful intercession may we too obtain the graces we are praying for. And inspired by their holy lives may we too become zealous apostles of charity to others especially to those most in need. GiGsss!

Disclaimer: This section of the website is a personal creative writing of the author and does not necessarily reflect the official views, opinion, or policies of the Salesians of Don Bosco – Philippines South Province. For concerns on the content, style, and grammar of this piece, please contact us.