Alfredo Versoza
|
Servant of God Alfredo Verzosa y Florentin |
|
|---|---|
| Bishop Emeritus of Lipa | |
| Church | Roman Catholic Church |
| Archdiocese | Lipa |
| See | Lipa |
| Appointed | 06 September 1916 |
| Term ended | 25 February 1951 |
| Predecessor | Giuseppe Petrelli |
| Successor | Alejandro Olalia |
| Other posts | Apostolic Administrator of Nueva Segovia (1926-1927) Titular Bishop of Capsa (1951-1954) |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 24 December 1904 by Dennis Joseph Dougherty |
| Consecration | 20 January 1917 by Giuseppe Petrelli |
| Rank | Bishop |
| Personal details | |
| Birth name | Alfredo Verzosa y Florentin |
| Born |
9 December 1877 Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Captaincy General of the Philippines |
| Died | 27 June 1954 (aged 76) Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines |
| Buried |
Cathedral of the Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle, Vigan, Ilocos Sur |
| Nationality | Filipino |
| Parents | Alejandro Verzosa (father) Micaela Florentin (mother) |
| Motto | "Disposes all things gently" |
| Sainthood | |
| Feast day | 27 June |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church |
| Title as Saint | Servant of God |
Alfedo Verzosa y Florentin (9 December 1877 - 27 June 1954) was a Filipino Catholic Bishop and Servant of God venerated in the Catholic Church. He is the fourth Filipino Bishop to be elevated as Bishop and the first from Northern Luzon – the first Ilocano. Together with Laura Mendoza, a widow and catechist, they founded the Congregation of the Missionary Catechists of the Sacred Heart (MCSH), a congregation focusing on the missions of education and administration within the church, especially of catholic catechesis. His cause for beatification is currently underway.
His family was financial patron in the Cathedral parish. In the ‘Cuadro de Honor’ found at the cathedral entrance, the names of Don Alejandro and those of Socorro were listed as donors. An old priest disclosed that the Versozas belonged to a pious family who would be seen almost the whole day in prayer, at church.
Versoza as a priest of Neuva Segovia dealt with a schism in his constituent area. Many priests in his diocese switched affiliation to the Aglipayan Church. As a young priest, he visited towns to propagate the Catholic faith. An account mentions of a pastor from another sect who warned him not to go on a barrio mission. Versoza proceeded despite of the warning and went towards the barrio on horseback. A spear was hurled towards Versoza which killed his horse but he survived. In the year 1909, the bishop sent Fr. Verzosa for a mission in the Province of Ilocos Norte – bulwark of the Aglipayans.
On September 06, 1916, Pope Benedict XV named Fr. Alfredo Verzosa as second Bishop of Lipa, he was 39 years old. Bishop elect Verzosa was then consecrated bishop on January 20, 1917. He is the fourth Filipino Bishop to the elevated as Bishop and the first from Northern Luzon – The first Ilocano.
After some months, he received a letter from Rome asking him to retire as Ordinary of Lipa. Bishop Obviar was also asked to leave his office. The administration of the diocese was then transferred to the young Bishop Rufino Santos as Apostolic Administrator. In 1951, six bishops compromising a commission declared that the Lipa Miracle was a hoax. He returned to Vigan and lived in poverty. Rome gave him the Titular Bishop of Capsa. Without having anyone to turn to, he suffered a traumatic, nervous breakdown. Fr. Gregorio Salvatus, who was sent to take care of the ailing bishop, said that “without his prayers, his life would be despairing.” One of the most memorable lines of Bishop Verzosa was, “I’m still far from being gold!” For he remind the people a portion in the Holy Scriptures that in order for a metal to become real metal and gold become pure gold, it must be tried by fire (cf. Mal. 3:3). The mission of Bishop Verzosa was a heavy task – filled with sacrifices and obstacles. He gave all he had for others and took “part in suffering, as a loyal soldier of Christ Jesus.” (2 Tim. 2:3)
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