19/08/2026
Today is the Memorial of Saint Ezekiel Moreno, Augustinian Recollect Missionary and Bishop.
Saint Ezekiel Moreno (1848โ1906) was an Augustinian Recollect missionary whose life was marked by simplicity, openness of spirit, and deep devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Born in Alfaro, Logroรฑo, Spain, into a poor but faith-filled family, he professed his vows in 1865 at Monteagudo, a monastery renowned for sending missionaries abroad.
In 1870, Ezekiel arrived in Manila and soon journeyed to Jaro, Iloilo, where he received his minor orders. A year later, he was ordained priest in Manila by Archbishop Gregorio Melitรณn Martรญnez. For fifteen years, he ministered tirelessly in the Philippines, bringing the Gospel to the people with pastoral zeal and missionary dedication.
Called back to Spain in 1885, he served as Rector of Monteagudo. In 1894, he was appointed the first Vicar Apostolic of Casanare and later ordained Bishop of Pasto, Colombia. Amid the turbulence of war, Ezekiel became a voice of strength and consolation for his flock, defending the rights of the Church and guiding his people with courage and faith.
In 1906, suffering from cancer, he returned to Spain for treatment and died on August 19, 1906. He was beatified by Pope Paul VI in 1975 and canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1992. Today, he is remembered as a missionary pastor, a defender of the Church, and a model of fidelity to Christ.
COLLECT
O God, in Saint Ezekiel Moreno you have given us
a model of fidelity to the Gospel
and a pastor according to the Sacred Heart of your Son.
Grant us, through his intercession,
that we may give ourselves fully to Christ
by joyfully living our Christian witness
and consecrating ourselves to the service of your Church.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
