Fr. Anelsm (Pablo) Cañonero of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was born on March 18, 1919, Alimodian, Iloilo, Philippines to parents Juan and Felisa (née Hingco) Cañonero. Due to the occupation of the Japanese during WWII, life in Fr. Anselm’s village was difficult. Although he desired to attend the Seminary of St. Vincent de Ferrer in Iloilo City, raids damaged the school and caused it to close. However, Fr. Anselm had a fervent desire to become a Carmelite friar and with donations from his village and the nuns of the Assumption Convent, he made his way to America to study and pray. He made his simple profession on November 7, 1949 and was ordained on June 4, 1955. As a Carmelite Father, Fr. Anselm returned to the Philippines and ministered there until his death on April 20, 1998 at St. Paul’s Hospital, Iloilo, Philippines.