Vatican-based theologians to examine canonization cause for Jesuit martyr, says Dipolog diocese

The Diocese of Dipolog on Thursday has received a “positive development” with regards to the cause for canonization of Servant of God Fr. Francesco Palliola, a Jesuit priest.

According to a CBCP News report, the diocese said Jesuit Fr. Pascual Cebollada, the postulator of the Roman process, delivered the formal communication on the development that the "College of Historians of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints completed its evaluation of the Positio Historica on Palliola’s life and death."

Positio review

Fr. Patrick Dalangin, the vice postulator for the Roman process, said that out of the six historians, five approved while one gave an affirmative ad mentem. There were no negative or suspensive votes on the cause.

"With the historical phase completed, theological consultors of the dicastery will examine the cause, where minor clarifications may be requested," the CBCP News reported.

The positio, CBCP News explained, is a comprehensive biography and official position paper intended to establish Palliola’s martyrdom under Church norms.

The announcement coincided with the 378th anniversary of Palliola’s death, which the Dipolog diocese commemorated through a concelebrated mass led by Dipolog Bishop Severo C. Caermare. He was joined by Jesuit priests from Zamboanga and Cagayan de Oro City.

Mindanao Jesuit martyr's life

Palliola, an Italian, arrived in Mindanao in the mid-17th century to minister to local communities.

He was killed by a Subanen tribesman on January 29, 1648 at age 35 in the town of Ponot that has since been renamed Jose Dalman in Zamboanga del Norte. The local church considers his death a martyrdom.

Palliola’s deep devotion to the people of Mindanao is remembered mainly through oral tradition, particularly among the Subanen, according to Church records. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BAP, GMA Integrated News