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CEBU CITY, Philippines – Pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Cebu have started leaving for Vatican City for the canonization of the second Filipino saint, Pedro Calungsod, scheduled on October 21.
The first batch of local pilgrims left the Mactan International Airport on Thursday afternoon, October 10. In Rome, Vice President Jejomar Binay will lead the Philippine delegation when Calungsod is elevated to sainthood.
Fr Marvin Mejia, assistant secretary general of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, said over 2,000 pilgrims will fly to Rome in the next few days for Calungsod’s canonization. Filipino pilgrims will be allowed to sit close to the altar during the canonization rites, presided over by Pope Benedict XVI and expected to last for over two hours.
Binay, for his part, said 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,” said Binay on his official Facebook page.
Meanwhile, the 3-foot official image of Calungsod will be flown to the Vatican next Tuesday, October 16, after a send-off Mass at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, said Mejia in a radio interview.
The image will be used during in various liturgical activities, including a Triduum Mass. Mejia said Cathay Pacific has offered to fly the image for free.
President Benigno Aquino III has declared a national day of celebration on October 21, when Calungsod is canonized.
Martyred in Guam on April 2, 1627, Calungsod suffered persecution after locals accused him and his companion, Jesuit priest Diego Luis de San Vitores, of poisoning natives through the baptism ritual.
In 2000, Blessed John Paul II beatified Calungsod after a first miracle was attributed to him. This ritual recognized that he is worthy of local veneration – not worship, which, according to Catholic teaching, is reserved only for God.
His canonization was set after a second miracle was attributed to him. – Ryan Christopher J Sorote/Rappler.com
Read More:
- PNoy unlikely to attend Calungsod canonization
- Calungsod icon flown to Rome
- Pedro Calungsod everywhere, in everyone
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