The tale of Father Juan Severino Mallari is a haunting and enigmatic one that defies easy explanation. It serves as a chilling reminder of the complexities of human nature and the capacity for darkness even within those who are expected to embody virtue and moral guidance. Father Mallari’s transformation from a Catholic priest into a ruthless serial killer is a tale that continues to captivate and disturb those who delve into the annals of history.
Early Life and the Making of a Priest
Juan Severino Mallari was born in San Nicolas, Pampanga, in the late 18th century. He embarked on a path that would eventually lead him to the priesthood. Mallari’s journey began with theological studies at the prestigious University of Santo Tomas. In 1809, he was ordained as a Catholic priest, marking the start of what would become a bewildering and terrifying transformation.
The Failed Pursuit of Parish Leadership
Father Mallari’s early years in the priesthood were marked by his attempts to secure positions of authority within the Church. He served as a coadjutor in various parishes, including Gapan, Lubao, and Bacolor. However, his aspirations to become a parish priest were repeatedly thwarted as he applied for such positions in Orani, Mariveles, and the Port of Cavite, facing rejection each time.
A Talented Calligraphic Artist-Priest
Amidst the setbacks in his clerical career, Mallari found solace and recognition in his artistic talents. He honed his skills in calligraphy and gained a reputation as the second Filipino calligraphic artist-priest, following in the footsteps of Father Mariano Hipolito. His calligraphic work adorned parish annual reports with intricate designs, including delicate flowers, elegant vines, and cherubic angels on clouds.
The Dark Transformation
Father Mallari’s life took a dark and ominous turn during his tenure as the parish priest of Magalang, Pampanga, from 1816 to 1826. It was during this period that he began to believe that his mother had been cursed, and this belief would serve as the chilling motive for his descent into darkness.
Mallari genuinely thought that by taking the lives of parishioners, he could somehow reverse the supposed black magic that afflicted his mother. Love, distress, and a twisted sense of duty blurred the lines between right and wrong for him. The result was a horrifying killing spree that would claim the lives of at least 57 people, spreading fear and chaos throughout the region.
The Discovery of Horror
Mallari’s reign of terror would come to an end due to a twist of fate. In 1826, he contracted an unknown illness, leading to an attending priest’s visit to his residence. It was during this visit that the blood-stained personal belongings of Mallari’s victims were discovered. The evidence was damning, and Mallari’s gruesome crimes were finally exposed.
Imprisonment and a Controversial Fate
Following the revelation of his crimes, Father Mallari was arrested, tried, and sentenced to imprisonment for 14 long years. However, his case remains controversial to this day. Dr. Luciano Santiago, a historian and psychiatrist, argued that Mallari should have been admitted to one of the Philippines’ first mental health institutions, such as Hospicio de San Jose or San Lazaro Hospital, given his severe psychosis.
The Grim End
In 1840, the Spanish colonial government brought closure to this terrifying chapter in Philippine history by executing Father Juan Severino Mallari through hanging.
A Divided Legacy
The story of Father Juan Severino Mallari continues to divide opinions. To some, he remains a symbol of evil, a Catholic priest who descended into madness and committed unspeakable acts. To others, he is seen as a deeply troubled man, driven to horrific deeds by a genuine, albeit misguided, belief that he could save his mother from a curse.
In the end, the tale of Father Juan Severino Mallari is a haunting and perplexing narrative that raises questions about the complexities of human psychology, the blurred boundaries between good and evil, and the historical understanding of mental health in colonial-era Philippines. His legacy serves as a reminder of the darkness that can lurk behind even the most seemingly virtuous façade.