Fireworks exploded and church bells rang as around 2,500 Ilonggos on Wednesday welcomed the first step in the long and tedious process for the canonization of Maria Beatriz del Rosario Arroyo, whom they hoped would be the country’s first woman and Ilonggo saint. The faithful, along with members of religious organizations, flocked to the St. Anne Church in Molo District, Iloilo City, to attend the formal opening of the diocesan process for the canonization of Mother Rosario Arroyo de la Visitacion. The church is also called the “Church of Women Saints” because only the images of women saints are displayed along the aisle.

Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, officiated the Mass along with five other bishops. They were joined by around 60 priests.

The Mass was also attended by hundreds of members of the Congregation of the Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary in the Philippines, which Mother Rosario founded as a Filipino congregation on Feb. 18, 1927. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo attended the two-hour ceremony and Mass before paying their respects at Mother Rosario’s mausoleum inside the Dominican Mother House, also in Molo District. The First Gentleman’s siblings, Negros Occidental Representative Ignacio Arroyo and Kasangga Partylist Representative Ma. Lourdes Arroyo, and their relatives also attended the ceremony.

Mother Rosario is the grandaunt of the First Gentleman. She was the only daughter of Ignacio Arroyo and Maria Pidal and the sister of Mariano and the First Gentleman’s grandfather, Senator Jose Ma. Arroyo. The Arroyos, who were originally from Iloilo before they migrated to Negros Occidental along with other landed clans, welcomed the start of the diocesan investigation.

“We are very proud and very honored that our grand aunt will hopefully be a saint one day. We asked the people to pray to her especially those who are sick,” the First Gentleman said in an interview.

He said his memories of his “Nanay Sayong” were of an elderly woman who always held a rosary and told them to pray always.

His younger brother Representative Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo said the process was long overdue. “I hope that this will succeed so that Iloilo will have a saint,” he said.

“We have been always praying for this but this is the work of the [Dominican] sisters,” said Representative Ma. Lourdes “Marilou” Arroyo.

In an edict issued on July 28, 2009, Lagdameo authorized the start of the process for her canonization, which was formally petitioned by the Postulator, Father Samson Silloriquez.

According to Church customs and procedures, the opening of the canonization process paves the way for the conduct of an investigation into the life and virtues of Mother Rosario. The investigation also seeks to establish that religious miracles have occurred through her intercession.

An 11-member tribunal will gather evidence and hear testimonies during the investigation. If there are enough bases to recommend the canonization of Mother Rosario, a report will be transmitted to the Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints, which oversees the canonization of saints.

The members of the tribunal include Lagdameo as judge; Monsignor Higinio Velarde (judge delegate); Fr. John de Castro (promoter of justice); Fr. Carlo Noquez (notary); Sister Thaddesus Magtoles (actual notary); Msgr. Jose Maria Amado Delgado, Fr. Rey Zerrudo (theological commission); Fr. Alejandro Esperancilla, Sr. Visitacion Alecto and lawyer Rex Salvilla (historical commission); and Fr. Samson Silloriquez (postulator).

Lagdameo issued an edict last July 28, describing Mother Rosario as “an example of the observance of the vows, the Holy Rule and community life.”

“Her life clearly mirrored the virtues of purity and innocence, deep simplicity and profound humility, ardent love for the poor, the sick and the needy,” he said.

“During her life, she distinguished herself in her devotion to the Eucharist, the Blessed Sacrament and the Virgin Mary. She donated her family inheritance to the Congregation and lived a life detached from material and worldly goods.” Source.

hmmm I guess the President and the First Gentleman should start Praying to Mother Beatriz del Rosario to ward them both against “EVIL” LOL