For San Pedro Calungsod thanksgiving day, Organizers need more funds

CEBU, Philippines - With just 27 days away from the National Thanksgiving Day of San Pedro Calungsod, final preparations are on its way for the big day.

This includes the added effort to raise funds for the expenses on the festivities on November 30 and the templete of San Pedro Calungsod that is currently being constructed at the South Road Properties.

Last November 1, a booth was opened at the SM City Cebu for those interested to help out in the fundraising for San Pedro Calungsod.

Robby Alugar, member of the special events committee assigned to help the Finance committee in raising funds for the event, said that they have set up the booth for the convenience of those willing to donate.

He explained that with the booth, even those who are interested to donate through their credit card can be accommodated.

Alugar said that they have been getting inquiries on the possibility of making donations through credit card transactions and they believe it would also be a good way to extend the fundraising activity which majority of the proceeds will go to the templete.

Those who will donate P25, 000 or $600 will receive an official certificate of donation as well as limited edition of commemorative San Pedro Calungsod pieces designed by world renowned furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue.

A certificate of donation is equivalent to a raffle ticket which gets the donor a chance to win either two BMWs or a Kia Sorento, which is displayed in SM booth.

Alugar said they will also be setting up another booth in Ayala Center Cebu.

The booths will be open until December 8, the scheduled date for the raffle and announcement of winners to take place in SM City Cebu Northwing Atrium. 

But Msgr. Roberto Alesna earlier reminded the would-be donors to support the fundraising not because of the prizes at stake but because of San Pedro Calungsod. He said that donations should be made for San Pedro Calungsod and for one’s devotion to the second Filipino saint.

Meanwhile, the official image of San Pedro Calungsod is scheduled to return to Cebu on November 27, in time for the Triduum masses prior to the National Thanksgiving Day on November 30. It is currently in Luzon area for the Duaw Nasud activity where the official image is scheduled to visit various parishes all over the country.

Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal said they will now push through with the process to establish San Pedro Calungsod as the patron saint of the youth and the Overseas Filipino Workers.

Calungsod was said to be just 14 years old, one of the youngest catechists, who left for Guam with Padre Diego Luis de San Vitores and other missionaries.

Cardinal Vidal said a commission has been organized and is now studying on the life of Msgr. Teofilo Camomot, who is among the three names pushed to be the next Filipino to be beatified and possibly canonized.

Camomot was a resident of Carcar, south of Cebu, and was known for his generous service and love for the poor.  — (FREEMAN)