Two OFWs to share Calungsod encounter

CEBU, Philippines - At least two Overseas Filipino Workers will be flying to Rome, Italy to share their personal encounters and the miraculous healing attributed to Blessed Pedro Calungsod’s intercession during his canonization this coming October 21, 2012.

Msgr. Ildebrando Leyson, postular and co-chairman of the Canonization of Blessed Pedro Calungsod, said in yesterday’s press conference at the Archbishop Palace that they are still in the process of arranging the doctors of the two OFWs and the airline company for their respective trips.

Aside from the testimony of the two OFWs, Leyson said they are also involved in the Rome activities before and after the canonization.

According to Leyson, a series of Masses will be held starting October 18 up to October 22, 2012, a day after the canonization.

He added that their main concern is the canonization and everyone should know that the focus of the celebration should be on the spiritual preparation of the people.

He added that the first Mass will be centered on knowing our faith, second Mass on living in faith and the third Mass, on the proclamation of our faith.

Leyson further said that the three scheduled Masses will be officiated by the country’s top church officials including Archbishop Jose Palma and Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal.

The University of the Visayas Chorale is also scheduled to sing during the third day Mass, according to Leyson.

Pope Benedict XVI announced the canonization date for Calungsod after he promulgated a decree acknowledging the miraculous healing attributed to Calungsod’s intercession. Calungsod will be the country’s second saint.

The first is San Lorenzo Ruiz, a martyr who died for his faith in Nagasaki, Japan.

 He worked as a calligrapher for the Dominican parish of Binondo, Manila.

Ruiz was the first person to be beatified outside Vatican City during liturgical rites held in Manila by Blessed Pope John Paul II in 1981. He was canonized six years after.

Meanwhile, preparations are ongoing for the template, or the site of the national thanksgiving mass for Calungsod’s canonization on Nov. 30, 2012 at the South Reclamation Project.     - THE FREEMAN