Finneman: A Fine Man and a Finer Hero

It is not the capes that make a hero, but the person behind it. A hero is not just someone who is born with superficial powers but is recognized through showing ideal, courageous, and noble qualities. Beyond the cosmic appeal of extraordinary figures, know that heroes are among us humble beings, just like the late Bishop Wilhelm Finnemann.

On a peaceful morning last January 13 at the Divine Word College of Calapan – Basic Education’s Gymnasium, different respected personalities of the province, including SVDs, priests, politicians, and educators gathered to witness the book launching of Fr. Michael Layugan’s “Wilhelm Finnemann: An SVD Filipino Martyr”.

80 years after his death on October 26, 1942, Fr. Layugan, through his skeptical will and powerful research has written a 645-page book that tackles the life and journey of Mindoro’s first bishop. He had included significant scenes that would help its readers understand deeper what it takes to become a hero – with the spotlight on Finneman who sacrificed his life for the faith of his people, a good shepherd who never abandoned his flocks.

The author himself has said that the book is an illustration of humanity and shows how providence prevails. He also emphasized that it is clear in the first part of the book that Bishop Finnemann is no saint as he also had misunderstandings with his superior —which in turn has proved that he is just like us: human. Therefore, there is no way that we cannot embody the distinguished qualities he possessed as a faithful Catholic.

The book also tells its reader how the German Bishop has died as a Filipino, as he chose to become a naturalized Filipino citizen and continue the mission in the province despite the option to go to Manila to save himself. His sufferings at the end of his life were also inscribed in the book, as the original diary of the Bishop has been retrieved and enclosed in one of the chapters.

One of a kind, the book is more than just the author’s perception. Its lines portray history and truth. With all of the author’s effort, he was able to get the information from primary sources such as the secret archives of the Vatican, and other several archives in Europe, including the diary of the bishop during his last year and his letter, addressed to the founder, St. Arnold Janssen.

Not all Catholics are given the opportunity to know the selflessness of Bishop Finnemann. To have such a book published for the public is one way for people to learn about what it takes to become a hero which is more than what history and entertainment had shown us. We, just like the bishop, are heroes in our right, because only we can save ourselves from the weaknesses and temptations that try to hinder us in attaining our great goal of holiness.

Quoting Fr. Jerome Marquez, SVDPHC Provincial Superior on the fine man who on his own will choose to stay in his home - the small island of Mindoro, until the end of his life, and the start of his legacy:

“After sacrificing the flesh, it is the spirit that we cultivate to contribute in society. Bayaning Pilipino. Dinakip s’ya dahil siya ay isang Pilipino. Mindoreño by heart, Calapeño by death.”