Twenty-one years after his death on 3 May 2000, the Prelature of Isabella formally opened the diocesan process for the cause of Fr. Rhoel Gallardo, who died at the hands of the Islamist group Abu Sayyaf, after being held hostage for 43 days.
The investigation is the first step towards beatification “per viam Martyrii” (by way of martyrdom) and possible canonisation.
The opening of the cause took place during the Eucharist officiated by the Bishop of Isabela, Leo Dalmao cmf, in the Church of St. Vincent Ferrer, in the village of Tumahubong in the city of Sumisip, in the province of Basilan.
The next stage is the declaration by the Vatican that the Servant of God was a true martyr and he will be granted the title of “Venerable”. The next two steps are beatification and canonisation.
The process is expected to take several years, although beatification of a martyr is a simpler process because it is not necessary to prove that a miracle occurred through his intercession.
“We join in fervent prayer that our brother and friend Servant of God, Father Rhoel Gallardo, will one day be counted among the Martyrs and Saints of our Mother Church,” said Elias Ayuban, Provincial Superior of the Philippines.
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