SRP space prepared for 10,000 pilgrims

CEBU, Philippines - Over 10,000 pilgrims from other provinces can come to the National Thanksgiving Mass for San Pedro Calungsod on November 30 at the South Road Properties.

Fr. Jake Reyes, the chairman for the committee on local pilgrims, said that they do not have a specific number of the pilgrims who will be coming but they are allotting a special area for people from other provinces.

He said that these pilgrims are sent by the different dioceses and bishops from all over the country.

Fr. Reyes added that the city is asking the shipowners if they can lend two container vans or more for those who could not go home yet after the event so they will have a place to rest for the mean time.

He said that they could not assure the pilgrims of free board and lodging but some agencies are negotiating with hotels and pension houses in the city, like Radisson Blu, Cebu Grand Hotel and Harold’s Hotel to mention a few, that will be giving special discounts for pilgrims who are coming for the event.

Meanwhile, Msgr. Trinidad Silva, Jr., the chairman on social communications, revealed that there is already a DVD copy of the movie on the life of the second Filipino saint and a martyr saint, San Pedro Calungsod, which is produced by the diocese.

These San Pedro Calungsod movie DVDs will be distributed in all the 144 parishes in Cebu, since each diocese is required to show the movie to their respective parishes before the National Thanksgiving Mass.

The content of the movie includes the martyrdom of San Pedro Calungsod, the miracle attributed to him and the message of Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma.

The movie was realized also through Cebu Catholic Television Network (CCTN), wherein their talents portray the different characters in the movie. They made the film in the mid-September and the scenes were shot in Barili, Cebu.

Edel Dela Victoria, Commission on Social Communications secretariat, said that as of last week, they were able to distribute more than 50 copies already.

Dela Victoria said that for those who are interested to buy a DVD copy of the Pedro Calungsod movie, they may call their office at 261-0849 or 418-6227.

On the Duaw Nasud Luzon leg update, the holy image of San Pedro Calungsod was in the Manila Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Manila yesterday and today it will be transferred to the San Roque Cathedral in the Archdiocese of Caloocan.  Tomorrow, it will be transferred to Imus Cathedral in the Archdiocese of Cavite.

With the start of the Vis-Min leg of the Duaw Nasud on November 13 in Catarman, Camiguin, 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.

— (FREEMAN)