July 27, 2025 - "Saint Ezekiel Moreno"

He was ordained a priest in Manila in 1871 and worked for 15 years as a missionary in the Philippines. Father Ezekiel returned to Spain after he was elected prior of the monastery of Monteagudo in 1885. He left Spain for Colombia in 1888 where he devoted himself to missionary activity and brought renewal to the Augustinian Recollect communities in the region where he was living. Named the first  Vicar Apostolic of Casanare (1893) and Bishop of Pasto (1896), he was a model pastor for his fidelity to the Church and for his apostolic zeal. He fell ill and reluctantly returned to Spain for medical treatment for cancer.  He died of cancer on August 19, 1906, at the monastery of Monteagudo. Innumerable cures, especially for cancer, have been attributed to his intercession. Beatified on November 1, 1975, by Pope Saint Paul VI, he was canonized on October 11, 1992, by Pope Saint John Paul II.

 

Let me close this column with a prayer that has been invoked by people who have been diagnosed with cancer:

 

Loving God, in St. Ezekiel Moreno you have given us a model of courage in times of suffering. I turn to you at this moment of my life for strength. Grant, through the intercession of St. Ezekiel, that I may receive your healing comfort and be restored to health of mind and body, should it be your holy will. I also offer this prayer for those who are suffering from cancer and other life-threatening diseases, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Until next week,

Fr. John