Alfredo Verzosa, Obispo

December 1, 2012

“No documentation has ever contained the immensity and depth of a person. Even if we write a detailed chronicle on a person’s thoughts, words, feelings, experiences and deeds we can never totally grasp our subject,” thus Ericson M. Josue begins his concluding chapter of his book entitled, Alfredo Verzosa, Obispo. The book tells about the life and legacy of the first Filipino bishop of Lipa. Bishop Alfredo Verzosa, his story still unknown to many, is now a candidate for the sainthood because of his sacrifices not only for the Roman Catholics of Lipa but for the whole christiandom as well.

Without plagiarizing Josue’s account, Bishop Alfredo Verzosa’s life was a testimony to the greatness of the Filipino clergy. His love for the Church is unquestionable. He remained faithful to the Roman Catholic Church despite the sufferings that he had endured after he expressed his personal belief about the miracles of the rose petals in the Carmel Church of Lipa. Like the saints of the past, he worked hard to build the Filipino church but suffered in silence when he was removed from pastoral duties due to the rose petals miracles. Bishop Versoza was one of the very few church officials who expressed personal beliefs in the genuineness of our Lady’s apparition at Carmel Church in 1948. He endured these sufferings with humility. He did not complain when he was rooted out from his beloved Lipa and returned to his home in Ilocos Sur. Such was the virtue of a man who loved God more than he had loved himself.

Perhaps it maybe too presumptuous to say that what he had left in the local church became the foundation of many good things in the Province of Batangas.  However, it could not be denied that his legacy as the First Filipino Bishop of Lipa serves as inspiration to the clergy and the faithful in the fulfilment of their missions as workers of Jesus.

Bishop Alfredo Verzosa was sent to the Diocese of Lipa at the time when the country was yet to face the atrocities of Second World War. He was sent forth to answer people’s longing for a pastor who would bring them closer to God. His generosity and love for the poor exemplified Jesus’ concerns for the lowly—he would not turn away anyone who ask for help. Josue noted that he had used his personal wealth to meet the financial needs of his diocese and his people.

If he is living with us today, Bishop Alfredo Verzosa would tell us that our mission is to serve as bridges which connect young people to the Kingdom of God. He would remind us to work for justice as our rewards for faithful service to humanity are abundant in heaven. He would encourage us to be bearers of social justice and the magnanimity of Jesus. He would work with us in farmlands knowing that farmers are closest to the Creator because they enrich the soil, the foundation of human creation. He would be grateful to us when we provide jobs and opportunities but would likely remind that Christ expects us to be just to everyone, especially to those who are in need. Gladly, he would be with us in our quest for peace. He would affirm that our faith in a just and peace-loving Christ is not in vain—Christ fills those who thirst for justice while He gives peace to everyone.   

If he is with us today, Bishop Alfredo Verzosa would enlighten and inspire us to teach the youth and cultivate in them the faith in a future where God’s love reigns.

If he has visited our homes today, Bishop Alfredo Verzosa would be thankful for us because we are protecting our children from the assault and malice of the world. He would remind us to lead our children in the path of faith and love. He would stand with us as we defend our families from the errors of post-modernism and the culture of abuse, neglect and violence. He would stride with us in the walk for life and would pray for those who shape our society and public policy so that they would always be mindful of the sacredness of human life.

            Bishop Alfredo Verzosa was born on December 9, 1877. He died at the age of 76 on June 27, 1954 in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.  He had lived a life of faith and died in the fullness of love. He continues to touch our lives, and without doubt, to intercede for us so that we will receive great blessings from God.