Countdown begins for Calungsod canonization

CEBU, Philippines - The 100-day countdown to the canonization of Beato Pedro Calungsod officially started yesterday with a Holy Mass at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño officiated by Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Cardinal Vidal as the main celebrant.

In his homily, Vidal reminded the faithful to take the event as a “time of grace for us” and to “purify us as well.”

Vidal said the canonization of Calungsod will not only be for the glorification of God but blessing for all. He said that as the rest of the country counts down to Calungsod’s canonization, these should be taken as “days of our grace.”

He added that the Cebuanos should not only be proud of having Calungsod as their “kalungsod” or town-mate but they should also become “worthy” to be called such, as it is “beyond the name.”

Vidal also related Calungsod’s martyrdom and asked if a young man today will do what he did during his time and not run away at the first sight of inconvenience.

He told the mass-goers “to let go of inconvenience” and “practice solidarity with neighbors,” as part of being faithful to God.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said that Cebuanos should not only take the countdown as any other event, but for them “to be able to realize the importance of the event” which he said is “memorable, solemn, and a source of grace for all of us.”

“I hope the people will participate,” Palma told The FREEMAN, adding that there will be a host of activities like catechism, drama presentations, concerts, symposia and exhibits among others, related to Calungsod, to be witnessed within the next 100 days.

After the Holy Mass which was co-celebrated by about 50 other priests, a motorcade brought the holy image of Calungsod to the Fuente Osmeña Circle where the official countdown clock was turned on.

Governor Gwen Garcia and Mayor Michael Rama also graced the affair.

Pedro Calungsod, who died in 1672, was a young Catholic Filipino sacristan and missionary catechist, who along with Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores, was persecuted and killed while doing missionary work in Guam.

He was beatified on March 5, 2000 by Blessed Pope John Paul II and is set to be canonized in Rome on October 21.  (FREEMAN)