Leonardo Legaspi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Most Reverend Leonardo Z. Legaspi OP, D.D., S.Th.D, Ph.D. |
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| Archbishop of Caceres |
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| Province | Camarines Sur |
| See | Caceres |
| Enthroned | January 18, 1984 |
| Reign ended | September 8, 2012 |
| Predecessor | Teopisto Valderrama Alberto |
| Successor | Rolando Joven Tria Tirona |
| Other posts | Auxiliary Bishop of Manila |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | December 17, 1960 |
| Consecration | August 8, 1977 by Bruno Torpigliani |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 25 November 1935 Meycauayan, Bulacan, Commonwealth of the Philippines |
| Died | 8 August 2014 (aged 78) Manila, Philippines |
| Nationality | Filipino |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Alma mater | University of Hong Kong University of Santo Tomas |
| Motto | Illuminare Omnes (lit. A Light to All) |
| Signature |  |
| Coat of arms | [[File: |50px|Leonardo Z. Legaspi's coat of arms|alt={{{coat_of_arms_alt}}}]] |
Leonardo Zamora Legaspi (November 25, 1935 – August 8, 2014) was an important leader in the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines. He was a member of the Dominican Order (OP).
He served as the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Caceres. He was also the president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) from 1988 to 1991. In 1970, he became the first Filipino to be the Rector Magnificus of the University of Santo Tomas. This is like being the main head or president of a university.
Archbishop Legaspi retired on September 8, 2012. Pope Benedict XVI accepted his retirement. Bishop Rolando Joven Tria Tirona took over his role as Archbishop of Caceres.
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Early Life and School
Leonardo Legaspi was born in Meycauayan, Bulacan, on November 25, 1935. After finishing high school, he studied at the University of Hong Kong. There, he earned a degree in Philosophy in 1955.
In 1960, he joined the Dominican Order, a religious group. He continued his studies at the University of Santo Tomas. He earned degrees in theology, including a Doctor of Sacred Theology (S.T.D.). He also studied Educational Management at Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration in 1971. Later, he earned his Ph.D. from the University of Santo Tomas in 1975.
His Career and Leadership
In 1968, Leonardo Legaspi became the first Filipino to lead the Central Seminary of the University of Santo Tomas. In 1970, he was appointed the first Filipino Rector Magnificus of the University of Santo Tomas. This was a very important position.
On June 30, 1977, he became a bishop. He was named the Auxiliary Bishop of Manila. This means he helped the main bishop of Manila. Later, on January 18, 1984, he became the 33rd Bishop and 3rd Archbishop of Caceres. He was formally installed in Naga City.
In 1987, he spoke out against violence by the New People's Army. This group is the armed part of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Because of his strong words, he received threats and was given bodyguards. From 1988 to 1991, he led the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). He also led the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines in 1991.
His Passing
Archbishop Legaspi passed away on August 8, 2014, at the age of 78. He died at the University of Santo Tomas Hospital from lung cancer. This day was also his 37th anniversary as a bishop and the Feast of Saint Dominic.
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Awards and Recognitions
Leonardo Legaspi received many honors and awards for his work:
- Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines Award for Education (1974)
- Grand Cross, Order of Alfonso X the Wise (1974)
- Tanglaw Awards (1974)
- Kyung Hee University's Highest (Golden) Award (1974)
- Rizal Pro Patria Award (1975)
- International Association of University Presidents Award (1976)
Honorary Degrees
He also received special honorary degrees from different universities:
- Doctor of Education Honoris Causa, National University, Manila
- Doctor of Laws Honoris Causa, Angeles University, Pampanga
- Doctor of Humanities, University of Northeastern Philippines
