No 2nd collection for saint's events

CEBU, Philippines - There will be no second collection in parishes to raise the P50 million needed for the canonization of Blessed Pedro Calungsod on Oct. 21, 2012 and his Thanksgiving Day on Nov. 30.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said they are asking the people to share but will not force them to, but he said some people are really enthusiastic to help raise the funds.

Palma said the archdiocese has almost everything it needs for the canonization and thanksgiving day, even the money is no longer a problem, he said.

Amid preparations for the canonization, he said what is more challenging is the pastoral life.

“Like for example, what it (the canonization) means in my Christian life. That’s what we like to draw up, it should be something significant that will change me into a better Christian,” Palma said.

Currently, their preparations include catechesis to inform the general public of the exemplary life of Calungsod.

As far as the venue for the Thanksgiving Day Mass is concerned, Palma said that the Mandaue Reclamation Area, the latest proposed venue, is still tentative, although there are no other venues being considered for the time being.

“There is still time to look for a venue. We try to balance a lot of factors like the significance, the fruits, the celebration, plus the expenses consideration,” the archbishop said.

Rumors had it the Mass will be celebrated in Fuente Osmeña but Fr. Trinidad Silva, who heads the committee on communications for the canonization, denied this.

Silva said Fuente Osmeña was suggested by one of their members last April, but was immediately disapproved by Palma and the rest of the body as they expect almost a million people to attend the Mass.

“Gi-suggest ‘na sa among caucus kay mao sad daw venue sa activity sa Iglesia ni Cristo before, but that’s too small for the Thanksgiving Day,” Silva said.

The commission and committees will meet again on June 2, but Palma said almost all the details for the event are in place. (FREEMAN)