Pedro Pelaez

Pedro Peláez y Sebastián (1812–1863) was a Filipino Servant of God Catholic priest who favored the rights for Filipino clergy during the 19th century.[1] He was diocesan administrator of the Archdiocese of Manila for a brief period of time. In the early 19th century, Pelaez fought for the secularization of Filipino priests and is considered the "Godfather of the Philippine Revolution." His cause towards beatification is underway, leaving him the current title as "Servant of God."

In this Spanish name, the first or paternal surname is Peláez and the second or maternal family name is Sebastián.
Pedro Peláez y Sebastián
A portrait painting of Pedro Peláez located at Pedro Pelaez Elementary School in Manila City, Philippines.
Born(1812-06-29)June 29, 1812
Pagsanjan, Laguna, Captaincy General of the Philippines
DiedJune 3, 1863(1863-06-03) (aged 50)
Manila, Captaincy General of the Philippines
OccupationPriest
Known forSecularization of Catholic parishes and defense of Filipino Clergies' Rights

Pelaez was born on June 29, 1812, to Jose Pelaez, alcalde mayor of Laguna and Josefa Sebastian. When both of his parents died in 1823, he was taken as a houseboy in the Dominican convent in Manila. At the same time, he was sent to study at the Colegio de San Juan de Letran where he finished a degree in Bachelor of Arts. He then enrolled at the University of Santo Tomas to finish academic degrees on priesthood. Pelaez studied under the famous priest Francisco Ayala.[2][3]

Pelaez was ordained in 1833 and serve in the Manila Cathedral. From 1836 to 1839, he taught philosophy at the Colegio de San Jose and taught at the University of Santo Tomas from 1843 to 1861.

Along with Father Mariano Gómez, Pelaez started organizing activities that demanded the return of control of Philippine parishes to Filipino seculars. In 1863, Pelaez died during the earthquake in Manila as the Manila Cathedral collapsed and was heavily damaged.[1]

Cause for Sainthood

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines requested that may it be that Fr. Pelaez, may receive the cause for Beatification, in honour towards his untiring efforts for the secularization of Catholic parishes to the Filipinos as well as in defend to the Filipino rights of their land against the Spaniards. The Congregation for the Causes of Saints allowed this cause, but hasn't given yet an official nihil obstat for the Canonization by the Holy See.

Notes

    References
    1. Karnow 1989.
    2. "Pedro S. Pelaez" (PDF). Retrieved 2012-02-20.
    3. "Dr. Pedro Pablo Pelaez champion of Filipino clergy, the first truly national leader". The Kahimyang Project. 9 July 2015.

    Sources
    • Karnow, Stanley (1989). "Pedro Pelaez". In Our Image: America's Empire in the Philippines. Random House. ISBN 978-0394549750.
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