It was only mid-afternoon on Friday, February 22, 2008, and Montebello’s St. Benedict Church was already more than half full for Father Fernando Suarez, C.C.’s 7:00 p.m. healing Mass. By that evening hour an estimated 2000 persons, many in wheelchairs, on crutches, using walkers or white canes had gathered in and around the church – all anxious to catch a glimpse of Father Fernando and receive his healing touch.

Father Fernando is a 41-year old native of Batangas, Philippines. A former chemical engineer he moved to Canada in 1995, where two years later he joined the recently founded religious community of the Companions of the Cross. He was ordained to the priesthood in 2002. 

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