Thousands of Filipinos Mark Close of Probe into Life of 17^th-Century Jesuit Fr. Francesco Palliola

►UCANews – Sept. 18, 2017 — Thousands of Catholics packed the Cathedral of the Most Holy Rosary in the southern Philippine city of Dipolog last week as the diocese closed its probe into the life of 17th century Jesuit missionary, Father Francesco Palliola.

The diocese nominated Father Pallolia as a Catholic martyr, citing his defense of the faith and upholding of Christian virtues.

The priest is considered the patron of the Lumad or indigenous people of the western tip of Mindanao. He was born to a noble family in Naples, Italy.

The close of the diocesan investigation comes a year and a half after its launch in January 2016.

All Supporting Documents Submitted to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints

Bishop Severo Caermare of Dipolog signed the archetype, transcript and copies of the local historical and theological commissions’ proceedings, which opened in January 2016. They now head to the Vatican.

Father Rene B. Javellana, archivist of the Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus, said Father Palliola was martyred on Jan. 29, 1648 at Ponot, now the town of Jose S. Dalman, an hour away from Dipolog. He was 37 when he died.

A Subanon leader named Tampilo is believed to be his killer.

Tampilo had reportedly been baptized, but later rejected Catholicism.

The priest was trying to bring Tampilo back to the faith when the Subanon leader led an attack on his residence and small church, said Father Javellana, a member of the probe’s historical commission.

People who said prayers for intercession were answered also attended the event.

Among them were 33-year-old Jason Luwagi and his mother, Monica, who said her appeals for intercession led to an overnight cure from a birth deformity that prevented him from walking.

Church officials acknowledged many testimonies of answered prayers but cautioned against venerating Father Palliolia as a saint. ◘