The Catholic Church has opened a formal investigation into the life of a former Lingayen bishop, as Church leaders seek to prove his holiness decades after his death.

Bishop Cesar Maria Guerrero was appointed by Rome as the first bishop of Lingayen on Feb. 22, 1929, and served for eight years. He died of heart disease on March 27, 1961.

Church officials said calls to declare him a saint stem from a long-held belief among the faithful that he lived a life of wisdom and holiness.

Most Rev. Socrates Villegas, Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan, recalled how people described Guerrero during his funeral.

“May mga bumulong noong time ng kaniyang libing, Spanish pa noon, 1961: ‘sabio y santo.’ Ang ‘sabio’ ay wise, ang ‘santo’ ay holy. Ibig sabihin, noon pang time na inililibing siya, ang pakiramdam ng mga tao, mayroon tayong isang obispo na marunong at banal,” he said.

The Vatican has allowed the archdiocese to begin the process for Guerrero’s beatification and canonization. A tribunal for the cause formally opened on March 27, marking the 65th anniversary of his death.

Villegas said the Church must gather proof of Guerrero’s reputation for holiness.

“Magga-gather ng evidences. Ang kailangan nating i-prove ay ‘fame of sanctity.’ Kailangan makita natin na hanggang ngayon ay kinikilala ang kaniyang kabanalan,” he said.

A historical commission, along with a theological commission, will study documents and testimonies about Guerrero’s life and service.

Rev. Fr. Rowel Allan Rocaberte, a member of the historical commission, said the review will examine all aspects of Guerrero’s life.

“Para makita lahat ng anggulo for his canonization, both the pros and the cons. In the historical commission, we are delving into the evidences… how he was, how he served and how holy was he historically,” he said.

Guerrero also founded the Mary Help of Christians Seminary in Binmaley, Pangasinan, which remains active today. He later served as the first bishop of the Diocese of San Fernando in Pampanga starting in 1949.

Priests still visit his tomb in Angeles City to pray, reflecting a continuing devotion to him.

Asked how long the process could take, Villegas said it depends on divine will.

“Diyos ang makasasagot sa tanong, kasi ang milagrong hinihintay ay manggagaling mismo sa Diyos,” he said.