By Leslie Ann Aquino

The Diocese of Cubao is currently gathering data on the life and virtues of newly declared “Servant of God” Darwin Ramos to help prove his sanctity or otherwise.

In his “Edict” signed last June 16, Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco asked those who have any document on Ramos to come forward.

“In accordance with the laws of the Church, we hereby direct all those who are in possession of any writing, published or unpublished, which can be attributed to the Servant of God, and which has not yet been recorded in the Postulation of the Cause to submit these and all documents relevant to this Cause as soon as possible to the President of the Commission of Enquiry,” he said.

Those who wish to keep the original copy of the documents may opt to submit a duly authenticated copy instead, he said.

The prelate said even those who have adverse information on Ramos may also go to the Diocese of Cubao.

“We also invite all the faithful to directly communicate all information, which may lead in some way to doubt the reputation of sanctity of Darwin Ramos,” Ongtioco said.

The Vatican declared on March 29 Ramos as “Servant of God,” the preliminary process for sainthood.

The declaration was made by Cardinal Angelo Becciu, Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, in Rome.

This means that the Diocese of Cubao now has the green light to initiate the process for beatification and canonization of the teenage boy.

According to a CBCP News post, Ramos spent his early years in the slums of Pasay City. In order to help his family, he became a scavenger in the streets, with his younger sister.

Unfortunately, the initial symptoms of what will later be diagnosed as Duchenne muscular dystrophy appeared. Progressively, he could no longer stand and his muscles weakened.

In 2006, after getting acquainted with a group of street educators from Tulan ng Kabataan (TnK), Ramos entered one of the its centers helping street children.

Discovering the Catholic faith, he received the sacrament of baptism in the same year and the first communion and the sacrament of confirmation in 2007.

Ramos’ physical condition deteriorated. But despite that, he uplifted the staff and other children at the center by the way he lived with his illness.

In 2012, Ramos’ condition worsened suddenly: he felt pain while breathing and was then brought to a hospital.

Even in these moments of suffering, he continued to maintain a friendly attitude, thanking everyone for helping him.

Ramos died at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center in Quezon City on Sept. 23, 2012 at the age of 17.

“Darwin is an example of holiness. Being a street child, afflicted with myopathy, he is closely united with Christ in his suffering and joy,” Ongtioco said.

Declaring Ramos a “Servant of God” is the first step towards recognizing him as a saint. Other steps towards sainthood, are declarations of Venerable, Blessed and canonization.