St. Ezekiel Moreno, the honorary Filipino saint - Ezekiel (1848-1906) was an Augustinian Recollect known for his simple and open spirit. He was deeply devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He ministered for many years in foreign lands. He stongly defended the rights of the Church.
He was born in Alfaro, Logrono, Spain, April 9, 1848. His family was poor in material goods but committed in faith. Ezekiel professed his vows as an Augustinian Recollect in 1865. He was ordained a priest in Manila, Philippines in 1871.
In 1906 a diagnosis of cancer caused him to reluctantly return to Spain for treatment.
There he died August 19, 1906. He was beatified by Pope Paul VI in 1975 and canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1992.
I earnestly hope more Filipinos, not just those afflicted with cancer, get to know St. Ezekiel and implore his aid and intercession; the Philippine Church should also propagate devotion to him and spread all the good he has done in our isles. He is a saint in heaven who spoke our language, who knew our culture, and who indubitably understood what is and how it is to be Pinoy.
