Fr. Amado Picardal

Every Filipino has their own childhood hero that they will be bringing for the rest of their lives. And for several generations of Filipinos, that hero was a small, humble priest from Pampanga named Fr. Amado Picardal.

Fr. Picardal was born in Sta. Ana, Pampanga in 1915. He was the youngest of six children of Amado Picardal Sr. and Marcela David. From an early age, Picardal showed signs of great intelligence and piety. He was a voracious reader and spent countless hours studying the Bible. He also had a strong devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and would often spend hours praying in the local church.

In 1932, Picardal entered St. John’s Seminary in San Fernando, Pampanga. He was ordained a priest in 1941 and was assigned to his first parish in Candaba, Pampanga. However, his time in Candaba was cut short when World War II broke out. Picardal was forced to flee his parish and spend the war years in hiding.

After the war, Picardal returned to Candaba and resumed his priestly duties. He also became involved in social work, helping to rebuild the community and provide for the needs of the poor. In 1952, Picardal founded the Boys’ Town of the Philippines, a home for orphaned and abandoned boys. Boys’ Town quickly became a model for other orphanages in the country and Picardal was recognized for his work with children.

In 1965, Picardal was named auxiliary bishop of Manila. He was consecrated bishop by Rufino Cardinal Santos on April 11, 1965. As auxiliary bishop, Picardal was responsible for overseeing the pastoral care of the poor and marginalized in the Archdiocese of Manila. He also continued to be involved in social work, founding several other charitable organizations.

Picardal died on May 12, 1976, at the age of 61. He was buried in the Boys’ Town of the Philippines. Picardal was a beloved figure in the Philippines and is considered one of the country’s greatest priests. He was known for his humility, his love of children, and his dedication to the poor.

Picardal’s legacy continues to live on today. The Boys’ Town of the Philippines continues to provide a home for orphaned and abandoned boys and Picardal’s other charitable organizations continue to serve the poor and marginalized. Picardal’s life is an example of how one person can make a difference in the world. He is a true hero for the Filipino people.