After Saint Lorenzo Ruiz and Saint Pedro Calungsod, another Filipino teen is a candidate for sainthood. The process of sainthood is not that easy. It takes a lot of research and studies about the previous life of the candidate. Likewise, the process would take number of years.
Recently, the CBCP or the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines announced that another Filipino was declared a “Servant of God.” The life of Darwin Ramos was extraordinary during the time that he was alive. He continued to inspire others until his death.
Darwin Ramos was born in 1994. His family lived in a slum area in Pasay City. Living a less privileged life, Darwin has no choice but to work as a scavenger. It was his way to help his family meet daily living. Life was so tough that he was afflicted by a genetic disorder. He suffered from Duchenne muscular dystrophy that resulted in weakening and degeneration of muscles.
In spite of his affliction, Darwin was a volunteer of the Tulay ng Kabataan. A foundation helping the street children. The disease does not hinder Darwin to help others even if he was bound to a wheelchair. He surrendered both his joy and sufferings to Christ that is a symbol of holiness.
The Filipino teen was declared by the Vatican as a “Servant of God” because of his previous deeds. Right now, the diocese of Cubao has started the process for his sainthood. According to Bishop Honesto Ongtioco, the Vatican allowed them to study the life of Darwin in terms of faith. If the church officials found out that he had lived a fervent Catholic life, there’s a great chance for him to be beatified.
The CBCP along with The Friends of Darwin Ramos Association is hopeful that the Filipino teen passes the long process. He died on September 12, 2012, at a young age of 17.
