DIPOLOG, Zamboanga del Norte โ An Italian Jesuit priest who was killed by a Subanen tribesman in 1648 in the town of Ponotโnow Jose Dalmanโmay soon be canonized, the Diocese of Dipolog announced on Thursday.
Fr. Francesco Palliola, 35, arrived in Mindanao in the mid-1600s to minister to local communities. The Roman Catholic church recognized him as a martyr.
The diocese said Jesuit Fr. Pascual Cebollada, postulator of the Roman process, formally communicated the result. Cebollada said the College of Historians of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints completed its evaluation of the positio historica, a comprehensive biography and position paper documenting Palliolaโs life and martyrdom.
Fr. Patrick Dalangin, vice postulator of the Roman process, said five of the six historians approved the cause, while one gave an affirmative ad mentem, signaling approval with minor clarifications. No negative or suspensive votes were recorded.
โWith the historical phase completed, theological consultors of the dicastery will now examine the cause,” Dalangin said.
“Minor clarifications may be requested,โ he added.
Church records note that Palliolaโs dedication to Mindanao communities has been preserved largely through oral tradition, particularly among the Subanen.
The announcement coincided with the 378th anniversary of Palliolaโs death.
Dipolog Bishop Severo C. Caermare concelebrated the Mass to mark the anniversary of the martyr priest. Jesuit priests from Zamboanga and Cagayan de Oro City joined Caermare.
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