Saints celebrated on the 4th of May
SERVANT OF GOD RHOEL GALLARDO
Father Rhoel Gallardo was born in November 29, 1965 in Olongapo, Zambales, Philippines. He was the second child among five siblings. In 1988, Gallardo felt called to be a priest joining the Claretian Order. He took his first vows the following year and was ordained a priest in 1994.
HE VOLUNTEERED TO BE ASSIGNED TO TUMAHUBONG PARISH
Father Gallardo's last assignment was at the Roman Catholic parish of Tumahubong in Sumisip, Basilan. He volunteered to be assigned to that parish.
KIDNAPPING AND DEATH
In March 20, 2000, Muslim Abu Sayyaf militants stormed the Claret School compound in Tumahubong, Basilan. The group burned the school, and abducted Christians in the area including the teachers and students of the Catholic school. Father Gallardo who resided in a mission house inside the complex was among who was captured.
The captives were kept in Punoh Mahadji and on May 3, 2000 they were brought out of the site; reportedly being planned to be transferred to Sulu. At one point, the male and female captives were separated from each other. Father Gallardo along with three teachers and five students were found dead. Father Gallardo's body was found to be riddled with three bullet wounds caused by close-range shots, and had his nails removed, indicative of torture.
HIS CAUSE
The Claretians have opened a cause for Father Gallardo's beatification as a martyr of the Catholic Church on May 3, 2021. Among his noted acts was during his kidnapping; he is testified to have protected his co-captives and prevented the rape of women, and gave spiritual support such as praying the rosary together with the other captives. He reportedly was asked to denounce his Catholic faith but refused.
Source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhoel_Gallardo
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