Msgr. Hermogenes E. Bacareza, SVD, born in Maribojoc, Bohol, was an internationally known scholar, author, linguist, lawyer and historian, holding two doctorate degrees in Modern European History and Canan Law. He studied at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Goethe-Institut Inter Naciones in Munich/Germany, at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, and the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome/Italy, specializing in Ecclesitical Rotal Jurisprudence with a grade of Summa cum Laude.
He has written several books and published numerous articles in different learn journals. I was blessed to be part of his two publications for Filipinos abroad and in Germany during the 1980's (Ang Mabuhay and Deutsch-Philippinischer Informationsspiegel Berlin).
Some time in January 2003 in appreciation of his efforts to promote harmonious relations between the Philippines and Germany, Dr. Johannes Rau, former German President, conferred on Father Bacareza, the highest honor from the Federal Republic of Germany, the "Grosses Bundesverdienstkreuz 1. Klasse" (Insignia of the Order of Merit) at the University of Santo Tomas Graduate School Auditorium in the presence of his students, faculty, German Embassy officials and members of the German Community in the Philippines.
His doctorate and several publications regarding the Philippine-German Relations are not only interesting to read - it's a must to read for every one, who wishes to know more about this topic.
From time to time, I'll be publishing some more facts and notes here on my website.
Until his death, Father Gene kept on teaching in Manila. He visited my family and me in Davao City shortly before he passed away in April 2011. Thank you very much Monsignor Bacareza for teaching us/me a lot about this fascinating topic.
