Bishop Claver's remains brought to Mtn. Province

Two days after his death, the remains of the retired bishop and staunch human rights advocate Francisco Claver, S.J., were brought to Mountain Province, his home province, on Saturday. Claver's remains will lie in state at the Cathedral of Sta. Rita, Bontoc for three days, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines said. An article on the CBCP news site said the bishop’s casket will be open for viewing until Sunday morning. Masses will be held at the Cathedral from Sunday noon to Tuesday noon. Claver, who died at age 81, will be laid to rest at the Sacred Heart Novitiate Cemetery in Novaliches, Quezon City after the funeral Mass on Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. at the Oratory of St. Ignatius, Loyola House of Studies. Fr. Manny Samonte of the Apostolic Vicariate of Bontoc-Lagawe said they have already prepared to welcome their late retired bishop with liturgical celebrations. Samonte added the vicariate’s indigenous people have also organized to pay their last respects. On Tuesday, the remains will be brought back to the Oratory of St. Ignatius at the Ateneo de Manila University campus. Claver was born in Bontoc and received his early education in Benguet, Kalinga and St. Francis Xavier Seminary in Baguio City. He entered the Society of Jesus on May 30, 1948 and received initial Jesuit formation in Novaliches and Cebu. “After Regency in Davao, he was sent for theology to Woodstock College, Maryland, United States of America, where he was ordained to the priesthood on June 18, 1961," said Fr. William Abbott. Claver began special studies in Anthropology and spent a year at the Ateneo de Manila University and another two years doing research in mission parishes of Bukidnon. He established a new mission, the first among the Manobos and later moved to doctoral work at the University of Colorado in 1967. After completing his course and comprehensive exams, he was told he had been named first Prelate of Malaybalay and consecrated in Baguio City on August 22, 1969, he served Bukidnon from 1969 to 1984, and finished his degree in 1972. “As bishop, he strongly supported basic ecclesial communities and was an outspoken, clear-minded opponent of the evils of martial law, a stance that won him much respect both here and abroad," Abbott said. From 1995 to 2004, he served as Apostolic Vicar of Bontoc-Lagawe and health problems brought him back to San Jose Seminary in 2006. Claver authored The Making of a Local Church. The CBCP said Claver suffered a stroke several months ago and after spending some time at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center, he returned to the infirmary of the Loyola House of Studies. “Early Wednesday, he suffered breathing problems and low blood pressure forced his return to the hospital for the last time," Abbott said.—JV, GMANews.TV