THE Center recently launched its latest book, A Cofradia of Two: Oral History on the Family Life and Lay Religiosity of Juan D. Nepomuceno and Teresa G. Nepomuceno of Angeles, Pampanga, written by Erlita P. Mendoza with Foreword by Ambeth R. Ocampo, Chairman of the National Historical Institute.

Historian Dr. Luciano P.R. Santiago was the guest reviewer during the launching ceremonies. Bernadette M. Nepomuceno, President of Holy Angel University, which published the book; Center Director Robby Tantingco; Cynthia Rivera, Director of the UST Center for Intercultural Studies, all gave speeches.

Dr. Santiago surprised the audience by announcing, “I would like now to propose very respectfully for possible consideration as joint or separate candidates for beatification,” citing the Church’s promotion of Christian parenthood and marriage as path to holiness. He observed that there is no saint who was happily married.

Mendoza, a researcher and faculty member of the University of Santo Tomas, and Teresita N. Wilkerson, one of the surviving children of the book’s subjects, also spoke during the program.

The book cites Juan and Teresa Nepomuceno as “a remarkable couple whose unlikely partnership helped build the first city of the Kapampangan Region.” Their story is told verbatim in individual interviews with their eight surviving children, namely, Javier Jesus (Jave), Aureo Jose (Fr. Rely, SJ), Carmelo Patricio (Miling), Teresita Marcela (Teresing), Aurora Hilda (Auring), Flora Gracia (Lula), Josefina Marcela (S. Pining, OSB) and Pedro Pablo (Peter), and by their in-laws, Cristina, widow of Geromin Pedro (Min), and Yolanda, widow of Juan Mamerto (Tok).

Except for a few who are abroad, the interviewees and their respective families attended the book launching. Other guests included Archbishop Paciano Aniceto, DD, Bro. Andrew Gonzales, FSC, Dr. Albina Peczon Fernandez, Palanca Hall of Famer Ben Medina, Councilor Vicky Vega Cabigting, Dr. Evangelina Lacson, Prof. Regalado Trota Jose, Dr. Juliet Mallari, Abong Tayag, and UST administration officials and faculty members.