Binay to represent Noy in Calungsod canonization

MANILA, Philippines - Vice President Jejomar Binay will represent President Aquino at the canonization of Blessed Pedro Calungsod on Oct. 21 at the Vatican.

Aquino has designated Binay, also presidential adviser on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) concerns, to witness Pope Benedict XVI install the country’s second saint.

“It is an honor to lead my fellow Filipino Catholics in witnessing this historic event. Blessed Pedro Calungsod’s life was one of service and I pray that his dedication and sacrifice will inspire the Filipino youth to live their lives in service of their fellowmen,” Binay said.

The first Filipino saint, Lorenzo Ruiz, was canonized on Oct. 18, 1987.

“I join the people of Cebu and the entire nation in this most joyous occasion and pray that the canonization of Blessed Pedro Calungsod will further strengthen our faith in the Almighty and our unity as a people,” Binay said.

Calungsod was a teenage Cebuano catechist who accompanied Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores in Tumhon village in Guan, Marianas, where they were killed on April 2, 1672.

Pope John Paul II beatified Calungsod in March 2000.

The canonization rites for Blessed Calungsod and six others will begin with a Mass at Saint Peter’s Square.

Vespers and a procession of the new saints’ icons will be held at the Chiesa di Santa Pudenziana later in the evening.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) expects over a thousand Filipinos to fly to the Vatican to witness the canonization rites.

After the canonization, Binay will meet members of the Filipino community in Italy at the Pontifico Collegio Filipino.

“In all my trips abroad, I always make it a point to meet with our countrymen to personally hear from them their concerns and to assure them that our government is always looking after their welfare,” Binay said.