Blessed Pedro Calungsod Canonization Vidal: Everyone is welcome to donate

CEBU, Philippines - The Archdiocese of Cebu will put no distinction in accepting donations to raise the needed P50 million for the canonization of Blessed Pedro Calungsod in October.

Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, Archbishop emeritus of Cebu, who was designated as overall chairman in preparation for the historic event, said that they will welcome all donations regardless of who the donor is as long as it comes from the heart.

Even donations from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation are welcome. The Catholic Church is against gambling, both legal and illegal.

“Of course, they can,” said Vidal, who just arrived Wednesday from Rome where he attended the consistory that named 22 new cardinals.

Even people of dubious character are welcome, he added.

“We do not judge people by just their appearance. What’s important is that the donation comes from their hearts,” the prelate said.

Vidal is also thankful that Cebuanos have always been generous to the Church. Even with the huge amount to raise, he is optimistic that they can come up with the P50 million target before Oct. 21. He was also happy that the date given was enough for them to prepare.

He further said that they are asking all parishes of the archdiocese to assist in the fundraising.

The prelate said a number of devotees have initially manifested interest to attend the canonization in Rome.

“We’ve not talked yet of the number of delegations, but first come, first serve because plenty are coming,” he said.

Filipino Americans and those living in Rome were just among those who wanted to attend the event, Vidal said.

Mariquita Salimbangon-Yeung, co-chairperson of the activities for the canonization of Calungsod, earlier said that P30 million will be spent for the preparations in Rome. The remaining P20 million will be used to cover the expenses for the local celebrations.

Vidal said it was initially planned that the Thanksgiving Mass will be held on Nov. 29 at the South Road Properties.

 “My hair stood up because I did not expect Blessed Pedro Calungsod to become the country’s second saint,” he said.

 “He was a layman, a young man and without any position in the church except that he is a sacristan,” he added.

Vidal worked hard to campaign for Calungsod’ canonization.

“Thanks God, I finished the work, the research and all these going back and forth,” the 81-year-old Cardinal said. He started the research about Calungsod 25 years ago.

He added that the process was quite short compared to the other saints who were canonized much more years later. — (FREEMAN)