Canonization

Cause of canonization

The diocese of Cubao (Philippines) has opened the cause of canonization on August 28, 2019. The Opening Celebration was presided by Most Rev. Honesto F. Ongtioco, D.D., Bishop of Cubao.

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What is the status of the cause of canonization of Darwin Ramos?

There are two major phases for the cause of canonization, one on the diocesan level and the other on the Roman level. Regarding the cause for the Servant of God Darwin Ramos, the phase on the diocesan level is ongoing.

An ecclesiastical tribunal has been constituted to listen to the witnesses. The process for the recognition of the heroic virtues of Darwin Ramos is ongoing.

Why is there a request for Darwin Ramos’ canonization?

In Darwin Ramos’ case, there exist a genuine reputation of holiness and a heroic practice of Christian virtues:

• The reputation of holiness must be spontaneous, not artificially created through propaganda. It must be sustainable (which does not cease shortly after the death of the Servant of God, but continues growing), extensive, i.e. not based on false holiness, but an example of a heroic life, lived in the service of God and of neighbor.
• The heroic practice of Christian virtues encompasses the theological virtues (faith, hope, charity) and the cardinal virtues (prudence, justice, temperance, fortitude). A heroic virtue is an infused habit by which man, conferred by divine grace when faced with extreme difficulties, generally acts in an exceptional way by accomplishing difficult and repeated acts of virtue with great courage and joy.

Darwin Ramos’ reputation for holiness never ceased to grow after his death.

In the Philippines, Darwin’s life remains in the minds of many, especially those at the Tulay ng Kabataan Foundation. People still continue to visit his grave in Pasay City to pray and to ask for favors through his intercession.

In France, several biographies have been published months after his death which allowed people to learn about his exemplary life:

• Matthieu Dauchez, Plus fort que les ténèbres [Stronger than Darkness], Paris, Artège éditions, 2015.
• Daniel-Ange, Prophètes de la beauté [Prophets of Beauty],Montrouge, éditions du Jubilé, 2016.

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Today, Darwin Ramos’ virtuous life can serve as an example for the youth, the sick and the poor. It would be good for the Church in the Philippines to receive a new saint because up to now, there are only two martyr saints who have been canonized: St. Lorenzo Ruiz and St. Pedro Calungsod.

Darwin Ramos is a Servant of God. What is the meaning of Servant of God?

The title “Servant of God” is attributed to a person whose cause for beatification and canonization has been undertaken. This marks the beginning of the first phase which is at the diocesan level. This is set by a very important text of the Congregation for all causes of sainthood in 2007 called Sanctorum Mater: “The Catholic whose cause of beatification and canonization has been initiated is called Servant of God” (art. 4 §2).

It is only during the Roman phase of the cause, at the level of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, that Darwin Ramos can be proclaimed “Venerable”, then “Blessed” (if a miracle is attested), and finally “Saint” (if another miracle is attested).

The majority of documents for a cause of canonization remain secret and confidential. But some are of public knowledge and we suggest the texts at the consultation:

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