Saturday, September 29, 2012

0 National Laity Week launch inspired by PHL’s next saint


CEBU City ― Blessed Pedro Calungsod’s life and example colored the launch of National Laity Week yesterday as lay leaders listened on how ordinary people should answer the call for new evangelization.

According to Laiko National President Atty. Aurora Santiago, Calungsod, together with San Lorenzo Ruiz, gives Filipinos a moving example of what it means to serve as a lay person.

“Whatever God has asked him to do, he will obey,” Atty. Santiago said in an interview.

Some 200 lay leaders, mostly from the Archdiocese of Cebu and the Visayas, learned how Calungsod’s example can be lived out today through Msgr. Dennis Villarojo, P.C.’s talk on “Blessed Pedro Calungsod and the New Evangelization”.

Msgr. Villarojo is the Team Moderator of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish and Over-all Chairman of the Cebu Celebration of the Canonization of Pedro Calungsod.

A response from the laity was channeled through Dr. Amelita Dayrit-Go, Laiko vice-president for Luzon who gave a reaction to the talk.

On the local level, Fe Barino, Archdiocesan Council of the Laity Committee on Education chairman, also gave a response.

Bishop Jesse Mercado was also present to give the keynote address on the theme “Building up the Body of Christ and Strengthening Our Faith through New Evangelization.”

The event was held at the Mariners Court in Cebu City.

[Nirva’ana Ella Delacruz]

Friday, September 28, 2012

0 As we await the sainthood of Pedro Calungsod


STRAWS IN THE WIND By Eladio Dioko

On October 21, a Cebuano named Pedro Calungsod will be canonized in Rome. When this happens he will be the second Filipino saint, the first being Saint Lorenzo Ruiz.

How significant is this event? Very – not only for the entire country but especially for Cebu. Christianity first took root in this province in 1521 when the first Christians accepted the faith. From that time to the present approximately 500 years had lapsed. So it took the Church that long before gifting this country with its second haloed faithful. Needless to say, this is a great gift. Secular Philippines may just take this happening in a stride. It may mean nothing more than a temporal celebration of a country’s pride.

But to the Filipino Christians, at least the true blooded ones, Pedro Calungsod’s ascension into the realm of God’s chosen ones is a monumental event. It is a vindication of the Filipinos’ faith in God which for centuries has been assaulted by negative forces.

The first assault came from the bearers of the gift themselves – the Spaniards who used the Cross to enslave a docile populace. They dispossessed the natives of their land, and claimed ownership of their mind and heart. How Christianity survived despite the ruler’s unchristian ways is a tribute to the strength of the Filipinos’ faith.

The second assault came with the Americans after Commodore Dewey pulverized the Castilian fleet in 1898. But it was an assault on ignorance carried out through public education, and the country started its march towards a democratic state. Politically and economically it was an auspicious development. We learned governance. We learned trade. Most of all we learned self-rule. But alas, the culture of pragmatism and materialism we also learned. And this eroded the very faith we inherited from our forebears.

Even after Independence, the world view of the West has become a dominant element in our psyche. Unknowingly, we have become little brown Americans in words, thoughts and actions, but sans a sense of propriety and integrity. The result is a warped idea of democracy which gives premium to wealth and power and a little regard to love, service and humanity. Corruption of course is the consequence.

And this is the third and most damaging assault to our Christian faith. Corruption destroys a country’s future because resources are wasted and progress is impeded. The poor proliferate since paucity of development keeps millions out of work. Blessed are the poor, is a misquote from the Lord. I came to give you life and have it abundantly, is what he says. Poverty therefore is anathema to Christianity. And the leaders that cause it can be the scandals, who according to the Lord, deserve to be thrown into the depth with a millstone by their necks. But who can tell this to our leaders? The Church of course has been perorating this for decades and our leaders have been listening for decades too. But its import has gone with the wind.

With Pedro Calungsod’s canonization, will this message finally sink deep into the conscience of those who command? We hope it will because Blessed Pedro’s lesson is a lesson in love and self-denial. He loved so much the Lord that was why he dedicated his life to spreading the Gospel among unbelievers. Without doubt he knew the peril of working among violent infidels. Yet he persevered despite the danger. At the moment of the attack he could have run away and save his life. But he had to stand by and defend Father San Vitores and in the process was himself killed. What force made him yield his life in behalf of his faith? The spirit of the Lord no doubt was that force.

As we reflect on the forthcoming sainthood of our brother Cebuano, may we open our mind and heart to the truth that our salvation, secular and spiritual, can only be attained if we have the spirit of the Lord in us.

Sunday, September 23, 2012

0 Gozos with Song, Chords, & Lyrics

4 Gozos of Blessed Pedro Calungsod


Music and Lyrics by: Fr. Rudy Villanueva

I:
Imong gimatuod ang pag-alagad
Sugo sa Ginoo giisip mo labaw sa tanan
Ug wala mahinugon sa imohang pagkabatan-on
Bata ug tigulang imong gitudloan
Bisag may hulga sa dugoon nga kamatayon

II:
Didto sa layong dapit mialagad
Gibiyaan nimo tanang butang kanimo mahal
Kang Diego nga misyonero buotan ka nga kaabag
Daghang kalisdanan inyong hiaguman
Tuyo pagsangyaw sa kang Kristo nga kahayag.

REFRAIN 1:
Sulogoon sa katawhan ug sa Dios
Pinasidunggang anak sa kabisay-an
Nanghinaut kining tingog ug kining pinulongan
Imong mahinumduman

Pedro Calungsod, ikaw karon gisangpit
Isip katagilungsod dinhi sa yuta
Ug ingon man sa langit (2x)

III:
Gimahal mo ang mga kabataan
Busa giamoma mo, gibansay mo sa pulong sa Dios
Imong gipanalipdan atubanga'g daghang kaaway
Gibuligan nimo kadtong misyonero
Aron ang simbahan magtuboan sa kanunay

IV:
Gihigugma me lakip ang kaaway
Nga diha kanimo naghimo ug mga pagsulay
Aron malamdagan ug matudloan sa Diosnong kaalam
Nga iyang gihatag aron ipahayag.
Ang iyang gugma ngadto sa tanang kanasuran
(Repeat Refrain 1)

V:
Wa panumbaling ang kulba'g kakapoy
Kay batid sa lakaw, subay'g laraw sa Tawo sa Dios
Ang misyon mitawag ug sa way langay imong giduaw
Way gikahadlokan, Dios ang gisaligan
Ug way hinagiban mikuyog sa inyong panaw.

VI:
Mga hulga sa bangis nga kaaway
Nga gibaliwala nakahaling,sa ilang kasuko
Dios ang gikasilagan ug kamo ang gipahimungtan
Ug wa ka moikyas
Sa pagbangkaw'g pagtigbas
Ang palma sa martir naangkon mo nga timaan.

REFRAIN 2:
Pedro Calungsod, tan-awang mahigugmaon
Ang among mga batan-on
Panalingini usab ang kanilang nagpangga
Sa imong kamot isalig namo karon
Ug sa tanang panahon
Aron ang kabataan nga Pilipinhon
Mahisama kanimo
O pinalangga sa Ginoo.

DOWNLOAD THE MP3 HERE

Uploaded on Youtube by Petite Fleur


Friday, September 21, 2012

1 Laiko organizes pilgrimage for Calungsod’s Rome canonization


MANILA, September 20, 2012—Come October 18, a special pilgrimage organized by the Council of the Laity of the Philippines or Laiko will be bringing lay Filipinos to Rome for Blessed Pedro Calungsod’s canonization.

According to National Laiko President Atty. Aurora Santiago, some 45 pilgrims have initially registered for the pilgrimage, which is scheduled to take them around Italy until October 27.

An extended pilgrimage is also open until October 31, which will include visits to Marian pilgrimage sites all over Europe like Lourdes, France; Milan, Italy; Montserrat, Spain; and Monaco in the French Riviera.

Atty. Santiago explained, everyone who wants to join the pilgrimage has to attend the catecheses on Blessed Pedro Calungsod to know more about the life and example of the young martyr, whom together with San Lorenzo Ruiz, will be a patron of the laity of the Philippines.

Parañaque Bishop and Chairman of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on the Laity Bishop Jesse Mercado will be the pilgrimage’s chaplain.

Pilgrims who have signed up for the pilgrimage come from Manila, Quezon City, Batangas, among others.

Most of the pilgrims come from the Cursillos in Christianity and the Catholic Women’s League.

For inquiries, contact the Laiko Office at (02) 527-5388. [Nirva’ana Ella Delacruz]

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

0 Pick Up Your Cross and Follow Me


This weekend, two important feasts of the Catholic Church are celebrated. Yesterday (September 14), we celebrated the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, and today, the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows.

In one of the books of the Jesuit theologian Fr. Catalino Arevalo SJ, he mentions that he once had an encounter with a Japanese Buddhist who remarked that one certain aspect of Christianity disturbs him- how fixated Christians are with the Passion and Death of Our Lord. And so we ask, why are we fixated with the gory and bloody death that Jesus endured?

The answer is very simple- it is because the Passion of Our Lord is central to our Faith. By the death of Our Lord, we obtained eternal life. We are also challenged to follow the footsteps of Christ and share in His Passion- that is to carry our own crosses like He did.

After Jesus died, raised from the dead, and ascended into heaven, he did not promise that life would be easy. What he promised was that he will be with us until the end of times. That promise is something that we hold on to- that no matter how strong the winds of trials try to buffet us, we should not fear, for the Lord is with us- not in the strong winds, nor in the great fires, not even in the mighty thunder- but in the soft breeze that penetrates the soul.

From the narratives of the death and character of Pedro Calungsod, we see how he lived his life with such a strong faith and trust in God. His missionary zeal can only be attributed to one thing- pure and undisturbed faith. It is faith when we pray not that everything will go as planned, but rather that in the end, everything will make sense. And part and parcel of that genuine faith is accepting the mysterious designs of God’s will.

And like Jesus on the cross, we can find comfort and consolation in the Blessed Mother. We are proud of the fact that we are a Marian nation – Un pueblo amante de Maria, some would say- a nation loved by and who loves Mary. Did Jesus not entrust St. John (and through Saint John, all of us) to the Blessed Mother as he died on the cross? Then it is but natural that in times of distress, we ask for the intercession of Virgin Mary, comforted knowing that she would never fail to whisper our petitions to God whom she carried for nine months, cared for, nurtured, and saw dying.

Like Blessed Pedro, let us not be afraid to pick up our crosses and follow the footsteps of Christ. Why? Because we should be comforted to know that He is joining us in our every travail, and that He has designated Mary, His own mother, as our special custodian.

Again, posing the question I asked you earlier in this essay, why are we fixated with the gory and bloody death that Jesus endured? We are fixated with His death because His story is our story. The cross of Christ is the same cross that we pick up everyday and belabour with. It is the story of infinite trust in God, the story of a son’s extreme love for His mother, and the story of a faithful friendship.

Have we been faithful to Christ by becoming more and more like Him? Are we ready to put our faith in Him, trusting that even in the deepest abyss of despair He will never abandon us?

May the Passion of Christ be ever in our hearts.

By Aaron James R. Veloso

(Aaron Veloso has been helping with Blessed Pedro’s canonization since 2008. Counting Church history as one of his interests, his undergraduate thesis tackled the evolution of the Catholic Church in the Philippines vis-à-vis the evolving forms of government in the country. He is also the Prefect of the Sodality of the Immaculate Conception in the University in the Philippines. )

0 Parañaque bishop blesses drafts of Calungsod’s painting


Parañaque Bishop Jesse Mercado blessed the drafts of Pedro Calungsod’s painting as well as the artists from Angono town of Rizal province, who were commissioned to paint the life and martyrdom of the would-be second Filipino saint, as part of the national preparation for his upcoming canonization in October.

In a news report posted on the news and information website, Rizal News Online, the bishop had commended the artists from the country’s Art Capital, Angono, and said the painting was “a reflection of the Filipino life, that is characterized by hope and joy, as well as the pains and sorrows.”

“Ang mga ito rin ang tuwa at pag-asa, pighati at hapis ng mga alagad ni Kristo. Higit pa rito ang mga likhang sining na nakatalaga sa panalangin at pagpaparangal sa Maykapal ay mistulang bintana kung saan dumudungaw ang kagandahang loob at katarungan ng Diyos,” the bishop said.

On Blessed Pedro Calungsod’s official proclamation as the second Filipino saint on October 21, Mercado said that the new saint would be part of the life of the ordinary Filipino and that this is a grace “that cannot be measured”. However, the Angono-based artists had also sacrificed some of their precious time and talent just to enliven on immaculate white canvases the life and suffering of the Cebuano saint.

The project is a joint effort of the Programs and Events Cluster of the Commission on National Celebration of Pedro Calungsod’s canonization, which is chaired by Mercado; by the Neo-Angono Artist Collective, Angono Ateliers Association, Angono Artists Association, independent artists, and fine art students from the University of Rizal System-Angono.

Written by NOEL SALES BARCELONA


Monday, September 17, 2012

0 Three Calungsod images join faithful in Marian regatta


SAN NICOLAS, Batangas – In what is highly symbolic of Blessed Pedro Calungsod’s probable devotion to Mary, three original images of the young martyr accompanied the faithful during the recent Marian fluvial procession.

The three statues of Calungsod, which were graciously lent by the Archdiocese of Cebu, accompanied images of the Blessed Virgin Mary and different patron saints during the fluvial procession of some 40-50 boats.

The event called the “Marian Peace Regatta Fluvial Procession” was also an opportunity to catechize the attendees about Calungsod’s life and example of sacrifice.

Lipa Archbishop Ramon C. Arguelles specifically addressed the young people in the crowd when referring to Calungsod’s faith and selflessness.

“Huwag tayong matakot sa hamon ng kabanalan (Let us not be afraid of the challenge to holiness)” he told them, adding that Calungsod was just 18 years old at the time of his death.

Young Catholics, who were highly visible during the event, helped organize different aspects of the procession like the registration, which was handled by the Archdiocesan Youth Commission.

Mariologist Atty. Marwil Llasos, OP also gave a short talk on “Defending Mary and Getting to know Mary”.

An estimated 3,000 people gathered along the coastal area of the municipality of San Nicolas, singing songs and praying the rosary in honor of Mary.

The following day, September 9, a Triduum mass was celebrated in preparation for the 9th National Pilgrimage to Lipa last September 12.

[Nirva’ana Delacruz with reports from Gailbert Vito Bosea]

Saturday, September 15, 2012

0 Is your God a “Vending Machine God”?


by Aaron James R. Veloso

In a conversation with my spiritual director, he challenged me to discover how I really see God. Who is God for me? Is He Santa Claus who gives everything I want if I’m nice? Or is He like a vending machine where we rack up points (like finishing a novena, attending masses, etc.), expecting that He will grant our favors? This then begs the question, how do we talk to Him, given how we really see Him?

Whether five or fifty years old, sometimes, we are guilty of seeing God as a vending machine. We would say, “Lord, ibigay Niyo lang po ang hinihiling ko, magsisimba po ako ng siyam na araw, sunod-sunod (Lord, just give me what I ask and I’ll go to mass for 9 days straight)”. I don’t’ mean to discount the validity of novenas and other modes of popular piety, but sometimes, praying like this makes us develop tampos (sulky behavior) if our requests don’t get answered.

This is where we see the importance of discernment. Discernment is seen mostly, as a process that men and women entering the priesthood or religious life go through to decide. What many people don’t realize is that vocation does not necessarily mean entering the priesthood. Married life, government service, and parenthood, among others, are also vocation paths. Likewise, discernment is not just a preparation for entering the priesthood or the religious life; it is a process that helps us make sense of God’s presence in our daily lives and see where He is trying to lead us. After all, we pray “Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

Blessed Pedro Calungsod surely would have developed the same prayer routine (examen, as Jesuits would say). His was a vocation not to the priesthood, but a vocation to be a sacristan, a catechist, a martyr. He embodied the Jesuit doctrine of being ready to be sent where there is the greatest need. He listened to God’s call and with vigor, preached the faith in the Marianas even if it cost him his life.

That is the challenge I will leave you this week. I would like all the readers to reflect on our prayer relationship with God. In an honest to goodness way, let us reflect — do we really talk to God? Do we still make an effort to listen to what His designs are for us? How do we apply this to our daily life, towards ourselves and towards others?

We are all called to greatness by God, called to be great students, great employees, great workers, great children, great parents, great friends, and yes, great priests and religious. Are we hearing His call?

O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!

Friday, September 14, 2012

0 Palma on Calungsod preparation: We’re on schedule


THE Catholic Church’s preparation for the canonization of Visayan martyr Blessed Pedro Calungsod is on track, said Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma.

Palma issued a circular to all parishes to join a grand procession that will take place before the national thanksgiving mass on Nov. 30, 2012 at the South Roads Properties (SRP).

Pope Benedict XVI will canonize Calungsod with six other blessed persons in a ceremony that is expected to be attended by 900 delegates from the Archdiocese of Cebu.

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

Calungsod was beatified in March 2000 by Blessed Pope John Paul II.

“The laborious part is the construction (of the site for the celebration) and there were certain concerns that were raised,” said Palma.

“ filling materials (but we already received more than enough filling materials) that came from donations. People are giving and donating,” he said.

What is left to do is build the road network, the templete and the frames for the lighting system, among other infrastructure requirements.

“We have all the resources and financial support. I’m excited. For me, we can make it, it is not a very big concern,” he said.

Palma said he is meeting with representatives of various construction companies who want to contribute to the Church’s projects.

“We are on schedule,” he said.

Palma issued circulars for the grand procession and the identification of the parishes that will have carrozas at the SRP.

In a circular dated Aug. 16, 2012, Palma directed parish priests to form a contingent to the procession and to appoint parish procession coordinators.

Palma issued a second circular on the same date for the selection of 72 out of the 140 parishes in the archdiocese that will put up carrozas for the procession.

In the north, some of the parishes are the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, Redemptorist, Recoletos, Sto. Rosario, Canduman in Mandaue City, and the towns of Tuburan, Bantayan and Balamban.

In the south, some of the 32 parishes tasked to prepare carrozas are Pardo, Labangon, Punta Princesa, Minglanilla, Sibonga, Oslob, Boljoon, Ginatilan, Toledo and Guadalupe.

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper by Bernadette A. Parco


Thursday, September 13, 2012

0 Scaled down templete mulled for Calungsod Mass


DUE to financial constraints, the budget for the templete or small temple for the Nov. 21 national thanksgiving Mass for soon-to-be-declared saint Pedro Calungsod was reduced to a fraction of its original P30 million.

Fr. Raul Gallego, chairman of the committee on venue, said they reduced the original plan from 1,500 square meters to 700 square meters.

“If the area for the templete will be huge, we also need to have a bigger budget,” Gallego said yesterday.

A P30 million proposed budget wasn’t approved by Archdiocese officials. It was caled down to P5 million.

“The design is still the same. Only the size was reduced. By the end of September we will finish with templete,” he said.

Gallego yesterday visited the project site at the South Road Properties.

Local and national media outlets were briefed about their designated area to cover the thanksgiving Mass.

The construction of road networks in in the open field are in progress. Some filling materials were donated.

Gallego said low lying areas which usually get flooded need to be backfilled.

“When we first scouted this area, there were low lying areas. We need to prioritize filling those areas,” he said.

Architect Ramon Vios said they are presently starting the mat foundation of the templete.

“Right now we are on schedule. We will proceed with the concreting works,” Vios said.

For pilgrims and visitors, finding a place to stay in Cebu for a modest price will be a big concern for pilgrims and visitors.

“We are coordinating with hotels and pension houses. Hopefully, they will grant considerations like discounts to the pilgrims,” said Fr. Jake Reyes in a press conference at the Archbishop’s Residence in Cebu City last Thursday.

Fr. Reyes who heads the committee on local pilgrims for the event said they are expecting 500,000 to 1 million people to attend the celebration.

Temporary shelters will be provided by the Cebu City government, like the container vans turned into a “Pilgrim City” during the Sinulog in January to accommodate Sto. Nino pilgrims.

Margie Matheu, who heads the secretariat of the archdiocese, said triduum masses or three-day masses will be held before the Nov. 30 thanksgiving Mass.

The traveling image of Calungsod will leave the country for Rome on Oct. 16.

It will be brought back to the country on Oct. 25 for the “Duaw Nasud” (national visitation) for trips to various parts of the Philippines before returning to Cebu on Nov. 27.

In a related development, Catholics in Cebu join the rest of the world in celebrating the birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary with A Walk For Mary that starts from the Capitol grounds to the Archbishops Residence at 4:30 am today.

A Mass will be presided over by Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma at 6 a.m. at his residence.

Marian devotees are encourarged to bring “bundles of joy” which will be given to the poor in occasion of Mary’s birthday.

Masses in honor of Mary will also be celebrated in all churches in the country.

The theme for this year’s celebration is “Stand Firm in the Faith. Do All Your Work in Love With Mary as our Companion.”


By Ador Vincent Mayol
Cebu Daily News

0 CBCP to CEAP: Intensify teaching Calungsod’s life, faith to students


MANILA, Sept. 8, 2012—The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) is encouraging the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) to intensify teaching the life and faith of Blessed Pedro Calungsod among students.

CBCP President and Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said in an interview with Church-run Radyo Veritas that the young must be reminded of the freedom, responsibility and work towards a life of faith that was lived by Calungsod.

“That is expected to all member-schools of CEAP, meaning, all the values promoted by the Catholic Church should also be promoted by the institution. That we can wish, knowing that indeed the young saint who was martyred has too much to offer and has a wonderful message to the youth,” Palma said.

“Calungsod reminded the people of the importance of faith and even the importance of doing great sacrifices. Perhaps a young saint is a reminder that we too, are called to greatness,” he added.

Palma is hoping that Catholic schools will prioritize the teaching of Calungsod’s life and works so that students will learn about the soon-to-be 2nd Filipino saint and will be much promoted among the young.

Pedro Calungsod was martyred on April 2, 1672. He was beatified by the late Pope Blessed John Paul II on March 5, 2000.

He will be canonized in Rome this coming October 21by Pope Benedict XVI and will be the 2nd Filipino Saint following St. Lorenzo Ruiz in 1987. (Jandel Posion)

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

0 CHURCH: WE’VE RAISED ENOUGH CALUNGSOD FUNDS


By Marigold P. Lebumfacil/JPM (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines – Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma discloses that the Church has already have what they need in terms of resources in preparation for the thanksgiving mass for the canonization of Blessed Pedro Calungsod.

“Thanks be to God that people are very generous and people are cooperative. We have what we need in terms of resources… in terms of support and funds we already have it,” he added.

The other day, Palma and the organizing committee had a meeting to focus on the huge job needed to be completed.

“The area is so big. If you look at it, there are so many certain concerns like the filling materials, though Fr. Raul (Gallego) said nagsobra na ang mga filling materials but they have to do the road networks and the light,” he said.

Palma said that aside from SM, construction companies also voluntarily went to him to offer help. The construction of the Pedro Calungsod templete at the South Road Properties is ongoing. It will be the venue of the National Thanksgiving Mass on November 30 in honor of Calungsod’s canonization and will also be the newest addition to the heritage sites in Cebu.

Earlier, Fr. Brian Brigoli, the vice chairperson of the Archdiocesan Commission on Cultural Heritage of the Church, explained the different segments of the templete.

The center of it is the sanctuary where the sacred altar table will be placed. There will be a space dedicated for the bishops or celebrants and the area can accommodate about 150 bishops.

There will be a fire-made light structure at the center which symbolizes the “transcendence of faith” just like the martyrdom of Pedro Calungsod. The end of the pyramid structure at the apex will be the cross.

Aside from the approximately 1,500-square-meter-templete, the venue will have a vesting area, operation center, press center, police and security center, power lines, media stand, Blessed Sacrament chapels, souvenir stores, first aid stations, water stations, food stalls, and portable toilets.

Off-site, a parking area will be provided for vehicles of church dignitaries, vehicles for elderly and persons with disability, buses for out of town and Cebu pilgrims and emergency vehicles.

The organizing committee is still expecting more donations. The committee on the preparations for the canonization released a list of people who are the only ones allowed to solicit funds to ensure that the money given would be used as intended.

The canonization of Beato Pedro Calungsod in Rome, Italy will be this October 21.

— (FREEMAN)

0 Canonization of Blessed Pedro Calungsod - Schedule of Activities in Rome



0 CBCP: Emulate Blessed Pedro Calungsod’s Life


By RAYMUND F. ANTONIO

MANILA, Philippines — The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Saturday urged young Filipinos to learn about the teachings and virtues of soon-to-be canonized Blessed Pedro Calungsod.

CBCP President and Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said that Catholic schools should teach their students the life and works of the Filipino Blessed Calungsod so that they can emulate him and his teaching be promoted among the youth.

“The young saint who was martyred at age 17 has too much to offer and has a wonderful message to the youth,” said Palma in an interview over Church-run Radyo Veritas.

“Calungsod’s martyrdom reminds the people of the importance of faith and even the importance of doing great sacrifices. Perhaps a young saint is a reminder that we too are called to greatness,” he added.

The Philippines has its second saint in the Cebuano teenaged martyr Blessed Calungsod, soon to be known as San Pedro de Cebu.

His canonization is scheduled on October 21 in Rome after Pope Benedict XVI acknowledged the “miraculous” healing of a woman in 2003 through the intercession of Blessed Calungsod.

The first Filipino saint, Saint Lorenzo Ruiz, canonized before Calungsod.

The CBCP urged the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) to intensify the teaching of the life and faith of Blessed Calungsod among students.

“That is expected to all member-schools of CEAP, meaning, all the values promoted by the Catholic Church should also be promoted by institutions,” Palma said.

Palma said the youth must be reminded of the freedom, responsibility, and work towards a life of faith that was lived by Blessed Calungsod.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

0 Saints Who Wear Jeans and Sneakers


by Niño Molina

I had been reading articles regarding the coming canonization of Pedro Calungsod, and there was one article which kind of disappointed me. In it, I read that Pedro Calungsod’s image was modeled after a basketball player. What disappointed me was that some people find it “uncomfortable” to pray before an image of a basketball player. It seems like these people are not yet ready for the new generation of Saints, or do not really know what Sainthood is about!

I would not be surprised that if Pedro Calungsod lived today, he would probably a member of his campus’ basketball varsity team! Besides being a good athlete, he would need to maintain good grades to remain in the team. His contemporaries say that Pedro was an athletic and bright young man.

Fortunately, there are no pious legends about Pedro Calungsod. There are no records of him receiving visions from the Blessed Mother, levitations, stigmatas, and transverbations. We do not hear of him performing heavy ascetical practices such as self-flagellation and severe fasting. His martyrdom is also presented in a realistic manner, unlike those of the martyrs in the Early Church. Accounts do not say that Pedro had a sad or serious disposition, rather it was said that he was a ‘bisaya,’ which means a ‘happy man’ or a ‘man of fine and pleasant disposition.’ As Saint Teresa of Avila once prayed, “God save us from gloomy saints!”

If Pedro was our next-door neighbor or a classmate, we would never think that he would become a Saint. The only reason why we see him differently, with a “holy aura,” is because he lived centuries away from us! He seems so old-fashioned for us, but in reality, he is a man of his times!

This is Pedro’s message to us. We need to become Saints of our times. Look around today’s society: see the fight for life, poverty, scandals, and other issues. What is God calling us to do in our time? In our place? Pedro lived in a time when the Church was literally going around the world to preach the Gospel, and he responded to God’s call.

I am very proud to be a part of this generation. As part of the World Youth Day Generation, I belong to a generation of Saints! Yes, with a capital “S”! And as a young Filipino in the 2010′s, I am among the students and young professionals currently helping the Philippines to prosper!

To end this blog, I would like to share a poem I read, which was inspired by Pope John Paul II who called on the youth to become Saints. The title of the poem is “We Need Saints”:

We need saints without veil or cassock.
We need saints who wear jeans and sneakers.
We need saints who go to the movies, listen to music and hang out with friends.
We need saints who put God in first place, but who let go of their power.
We need saints who have time everyday to pray and who know how to date in purity and chastity, or who consecrate their chastity.
We need modern saints, Saints of the 21st century with a spirituality that is part of our time.
We need saints committed to the poor and the necessary social changes.
We need saints who live in the world and who are sanctified in the world, who are not afraid to live in the world.
We need saints who drink Coke and eat hot dogs, who wear jeans, who are Internet-savvy, who listen to CDs.
We need saints who passionately love the Eucharist and who are not ashamed to drink a soda or eat pizza on weekends with friends.
We need saints who like movies, the theater, music, dance, sports.
We need saints who are social, open, normal, friendly, happy and who are good companions.
We need saints who are in the world and know how to taste the pure and nice things of the world but who aren’t of the world.

---

Niño Molina is a 21-year-old young professional. He wants to do many things for God, the Church, and the world. But being “cloistered” in the corporate world, he strives his best to “stand firm in the faith and do all his works in love.”

0 Palma: Church on track for Mass


Despite scaling down the templete to be built in the South Road Properties (SRP), the Cebu Archdiocese has “all the resources it needs” in hosting the Thanksgiving Mass for the canonization of the Blessed Pedro Calungsod this November.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma assured  that preparations for the national thanksgiving mass are on right.

“We’re on schedule. We will not postpone the Thanksgiving Mass,” he said in jest.

Palma said physical preparations are the “most laborious part” with a lot to be done. Last month  the committee on venue called for donations of filling materials to level the site the raise the foundation of the templete by several feet.

Actual construction of the templete t the corner lot next SM Seaside City at the SRP has not yet begun as site development is still ongoing.

Palma said this was no cause for worry. He said  he  met last Friday with construction companies who asked  how they could help.  One of them, SM Prime Holdings, earlier assured it would develop the entire site for the historic event.

While they will have to make do with what they have, the Catholics Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president said they “expect some more” donations especially for the “finishing touches.”

The Thanksgiving Mass on November 30 follows the canonization of Blessed Pedro Calungsod October 21 and the national pilgrimage around the country.

Organizers of the Thanksgiving Mass are looking for donors of filling and construction materials to help backfill the 29-hectare lot to be used as the venue for the activity.

The cost of building the templete was scaled down from P10 million to P5 million.

The Cebu Archdiocese said it has so far gathered more than P30 million in donations for the Mass or about half of their P60 million target.

Temporary shelters will be provided by the Cebu City government for pilgrims attending the   Triduum masses or three-day masses before the Nov. 30 event.

The traveling image of Calungsod will leave the country for Rome on Oct. 16. It will be brought back to the country on Oct. 25 for the “Duaw Nasud” (national visitation) for trips to various parts of the Philippines before returning to Cebu on Nov. 27. Correspondent Jessa Chrisna Marie J. Agua with a story from Reporter Ador Vincent Mayol (Cebu Daily News)

Saturday, September 8, 2012

1 50 Cebu priests heading for Rome


By Ador Vincent Mayol
Cebu Daily News

AT least 50 Cebu diocesan priests will be going to Rome for the Oct. 21 canonization rites of Blessed Pedro Calungsod.

The travel will surely be noticed by parishioners find their local clergy members absent from regular masses and church tasks here.

To fill the gap, priests from religious congregations are being asked to take over Masses and other liturgical celebrations in Cebu, said Msgr. Achilles Dakay, head of the committee on pilgrims to Rome, in a press conference at the Archbishop's Residence in Cebu City.

He said more than a thousand individuals from Cebu have applied for visas endorsed by the Archdiocese for the Rome trip, based on feedback from travel agencies.

A group of 10 priests, 10 nuns, and six catechists are being sponsored by the archdiocese, and need not pay for the travel or visa fees.

These are priests who will mark their first time to go to the Eternal City, seat of the Catholic church, said Dakay.

Priests are also in demand as spiritual companions for groups of pilgrims organized by travel agencies.

With the high volume of visa applicants, the risk of some Cebuanos overstaying in Europe illegally has been raised as a concern.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma last week said he has signed as many as 3,000 visa application which prompted the Embassy of Italy to write to him to say it was too much.

He replied that it was his duty to sign an application and the embassy's job to "screen" them.
Dakay said he was aware of the problem.

"We tried to alert parish priests to monitor their parishioners who go to Rome. It's a way to talk to them and make them return," said Dakay.

Among those ready to travel to Rome is Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, who finished processing visa requirements, said Dakay.

Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia said she is praying hard to be able to go after a hold departure order was issued by the Bureau of Immigration following the filing of charges against her in the Sandiganbayan over the P98.9 million Balili lot purchase.

Dakay reminded those who will travel to Rome to keep in mind their spiritual purpose.
"This is a pilgrimage we are making, not tourism. We are trying our best to really make this a pilgrimage. They should not stay there (beyond the allowed limit)," he said.

0 Calungsod pilgrims can stay in 'tent city'


By Bernadette A. Parco
Friday, September 7, 2012

HOTELS, pension houses, retreat centers and a "tent city" are being tapped to accommodate close to one million pilgrims expected in Cebu City in November this year.

At least 1,000 Cebu pilgrims leaving for Rome would be chaperoned by diocesan priests who will focus on preaching on the spiritual aspect of the journey and underscore that the trip is not a mere sightseeing and shopping tour.

Fr. Jake Reyes, committee on local pilgrims chairperson, said his group is coordinating with the owners of these establishments and negotiating for discounts for local guests who want to attend the National Thanksgiving Mass that would be held a month after the canonization of the country's second saint.

Blessed Pedro Calungsod, a teenage Visayan catechist, would be canonized in Rome together with six other blessed persons by Pope Benedict XVI on Oct. 21.

Calungsod was killed by natives of Guam on April 2, 1672 and was beatified by Blessed Pope John Paul II in March 2000.

Reyes said the Cebu City Government will also provide a tent city for pilgrims who cannot afford to stay in hotels and pension houses.

"It would be like what we have during the Santo Niño feast day celebration," said Reyes, adding the site of the "tent city" still has to be identified.

Reyes also said his group is coordinating with the bishops of all dioceses in the country to help facilitate their needs.

As for the pilgrims who will be traveling to Rome to personally witness the canonization of Calungsod, Msgr. Achilles Dakay said travel agencies have enlisted and sought the help of church officials to expedite the issuance of visas.

"This is a pilgrimage, not tourism (activity)," he said.

Dakay, committee on pilgrims chairperson, said the application time for visas has ended and the Italian Embassy is in the process of distributing visas.

"Most of the applicants are mature, I'm not afraid naay mag-TNT (tago-ng-tago, or slang for illegal migrants) didto," he said.

He announced that Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has been issued a visa, but he is not sure if Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia already received a reply to her application.

"There are other officials who will be going to Rome," said Dakay.

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on September 07, 2012.

0 Archbishop Tagle receives first batch of Calungsod paintings


MANILA―Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle received ten paintings of Blessed Pedro Calungsod, in behalf of the Philippine Catholic Church, from Angono artists.

Tagle expressed his appreciation for the Angono artists' willingness to artistically interpret and bring Calungsod's likeness to a wider audience, as part of the celebration of his canonization.



On Sept. 4, Angono Mayor Gerardo Caldero headed the small group of artists, and representatives from the University of Rizal System who came to present the first batch of paintings to Tagle at the Arzobispado in Intramuros.

The initial batch of paintings consists of different depictions of Calungsod – one shows him prostrate in death with an angel hovering over him; another shows a Chamorro (most probably, Mata'pang) dragging the body of Fr. San Vitores with Calungsod lying next to him; another painting shows the two martyrs talking to angry Chamorros in the final moments before death.

Tagle, who co-chairs the National Commission for the Calungsod's canonization, together with Abp. Jose Palma, said if time permits, the National Commission would want to look at all the paintings and see which ones best exemplify the different aspects of Calungsod ― catechist, OFW, youth, etc.

The Angono artists' enthusiasm to be part of the project was apparent with the first batch of paintings finished ahead of the set deadline.

Angono Media Relations Officer and Artists Affairs in-charge Richard R. Gappi's personal enthusiasm was also seen when he presented a poem he wrote in honor of the young martyr, titled "Awit ng Pauri kay San Pedro Calungsod" to Tagle.

Gappi said, if permitted, the poem will also be rendered into song by one of the local bands of Angono.

The last batch of some forty more paintings will be submitted by September 7.

Present during the short meeting were Clarke Nebrao, head for promotions and merchandise for Calungsod's canonization; Angono Tourism Officer Patnubay Tiamson; artists Edwin Moreno and Bong Anore; University of Rizal System Dean Prof. Shielanie Dacumos, Prof. Maureen Pinon-Bulatao, and Prof. Wahinee Cruzada. [Nirva'ana Ella Delacruz]

0 'Barkada ni Pedro' turns 1 month


Cebu Daily News

AFTER a month since its launching, "prayers'' from the online prayer network 'Barkada ni Pedro' in honor of Blessed Pedro Calungsod have increased to almost 2,000.

This Facebook page named 'Barkada ni Pedro' (BNP) was launched last Aug. 6 and was created by the Cebu Archdiocesan Youth Commission to provide a place for people who need someone to pray for them.

"If cyberspace is connecting people, prayer is also connecting ourselves to everyone and to God. If Pedro Calungsod were alive today, he could have been a facebook user too," said Msgr. Arthur Navales, the commission chairman.

To join this online community, go to www.facebook.com/barkadanipedro and click "like." There are two activities a prayer can do on BNP: to pray and to be prayed for. One can post a prayer intention in the field 'Write Something…' which is transformed into a 'pray box.'

Example is "Pray Box: My mama is not feeling well, please pray for her." While, if you want to commit to pray for the person's intention, click the 'like' button of the posted intention.

The prayer intentions posted in BNP will be offered during the 6 p.m. Mass every Friday at the Archdiocesan Youth Center on P. Gomez Street beside the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.

Pedro Calungsod, a young missionary worker who was killed in Guam in 1672, will be canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in Rome on Oct. 21.

Thursday, September 6, 2012

0 3k Filipinos want to join Calungsod canonization

MANILA— Thousands of Filipinos want to witness the historic canonization of Blessed Pedro Calungsod on October 21 in Rome, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said.

Palma, president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, said he already has endorsed 3,000 visa applications to Italy.

"In fact, the Italian Embassy wrote to me about it and said that I'm signing too many endorsements," Palma said. "I said to them that it's my duty to sign, it's your duty to screen."
The archbishop of Cebu made the statement during the closing of the 2012 National Convention of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines in Pasay City last Friday.

According to him, he was no longer surprised why many are interested in joining the occasion, saying that Calungsod's canonization draws many people claiming to be the latter's relatives.

"Over in Cebu we usually say sainthood is relative. If you become a saint you discover that you have many relatives," he said in jest, drawing laughter from the audience.

Archbishop Palma cited an 85-year old man as an example.

"An old man who is 85 said I have to go to Rome, but his children said he is too weak. He said no, he is my relative I should go. His children were forced to accompany him," he said.

Very little is known about Calungsod. Fr. Ildebrando Leyson, postulator and co-chairman of the Commission on Blessed Pedro Calungsod's Canonization, said that Calungsod's exact place of origin remains unknown.

The country's soon-to-be-second saint was only identified as a teenage native of Visayas because baptismal records from the 1660s no longer exist.

Historical research identifies Ginatilan in Cebu, Hinunangan and Hinundayan in Southern Leyte, Iloilo's Molo district and Loboc in Bohol as probable places of origin.

Palma added that a national celebration will be held in Cebu City on November 30 for those who could not go to Rome.

"That day, as a nation, we will thank the Lord for this new saint," he said. RL/CBCPNews]

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

0 Duty-Bound and Dauntless


By Ian Joseph Riñon

God calls each one of us to serve Him in all ways and means possible.  Young people are expected by society to lead the nation in the years to come. But as Catholic Filipinos, we are also duty-bound to do this in the context of truth and charity–and often, sacrifice.

We are called to sacrifice because the Lord Himself did so in Cavalry two millennia ago. He set the standards and the example of utmost emptying in order for us to imitate Him.

In the end, our reward will be nothing less than eternal life.

The Catholic youth of today are duty-bound to evangelize in a fast-paced, secular world. Pedro Calungsod did just that — with the shedding of his blood.

“Be not afraid!”, Blessed John Paul II, Calungsod’s beatifier, reiterated these words from the Scriptures in his very first homily as Pope. Pedro Calungsod was dauntless when he stayed by his priest-friend’s side, at the expense of his life. We, too, must be dauntless. We must stand by God and His Church in the pressing issues of our times — liberalism, contraceptive mentality, Sedevacantism, and most of all, secularism.

Blessed John Paul’s successor, Pope Benedict XVI, will canonize Pedro Calungsod, and his patronage will no longer be confined to the archipelago set apart by God in the 16th century. “San Pedro Calungsod de Cebu” — as he will soon be called, will be instrumental for the whole Church in interceding for the youth of this generation and beyond. Who knows? He might be one of the saints on  the roster of World Youth Day patrons in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, come 2013.





About the author

The passionate Ian Joseph Riñon. 19. is the eldest of three children in their family. He also happens to be the youngest Administrator of the Facebook page 100% KATOLIKONG PINOY. Ian is currently a graduating communication arts student at the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas. He often writes about apologetics, liturgy, and the pro-life movement.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

0 ‘Calungsod’s portrait based on artist’s inspiration, not on actual person’


MANILA—The portrait of Blessed Pedro Calungsod that was used during his beatification in 2000 was based on the interpretation of the artist and not on actual person.

This according to Msgr. Ildebrando Leyson, a lead advocate for Calungsod’s sainthood, who said the image of Pedro Calungsod used as official portrait during his beatification in 2000 at the Vatican will be the same portrait that will be used at his canonization.

“We will still use the same portrait that was used during his beatification. We will not change the image,” Leyson said during a weekly forum in Intramuros on Tuesday.

When asked about if the image was drawn from a real person, Leyson explained that the painter―Rafael del Casal― said that he painted the image out of his own inspiration.

“When we asked del Casal about this, he reiterated that the painting was the product of his own inspiration but not based on face of professional Filipino basketball player Ronald Tubin. So we told him to declare that to the public through a letter so that they will know,” Leyson added.

Leyson suggested to media reporters to personally interview del Casal because since the year he painted the image, nobody from the media interviewed the painter to clarify the speculation on the image of Blessed Pedro Calungsod.

Calungsod was beatified in 2000 by the late Pope Blessed John Paul II. He will be canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on October 21, 2012.

He will be the 2nd Filipino to be declared saint following San Lorenzo Ruiz in 1987. (Jandel Posion)

0 Calungsod’s image to visit dioceses

MANILA—Few days after the canonization in Rome, the official image of Saint Pedro Calungsod will be brought back to Manila to begin the visit to some dioceses in the country prior to National Thanksgiving celebration in Cebu.

During a press briefing in Intramuros on Tuesday, CBCP Assistant Secretary General Fr. Marvin Mejia said the official image of Calungsod will return to the Philippines by October 25 to start the ‘Duaw Nasud’ or the visit of the statue to dioceses around the country.

 Cebu Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal posing with the image of San Pedro Calungsod. Photo Credit: gallery.sunstar.com.ph

A motorcade will take place from the airport to the Manila Metropolitan Cathedral for a proper turn-over marking the start of the ‘Duaw Nasud’ or the Nationwide Visit of the official image of Pedro Calungsod.

“For the first night, the image will be in the University of Sto. Tomas (UST). The statue will visit some dioceses in the National Capital Region (NCR) such as the Archdiocese of Manila, Dioceses of Parañaque, Pasig, Cubao, Antipolo and Caloocan before it will visit dioceses in Northern Luzon down to the Bicol Region,” said Mejia, who is also a member of the Cebu commission for the canonization of Blessed Pedro Calungsod.

On October 31, according to Mejia, the image will be brought to Villamor Airbase where the Military Ordinariate is located before it will be transported to Vigan on November 2. From Vigan, it will go to Legazpi before travelling to the Visayas and Mindanao islands where the image will stay from November 13 to 27.

The image will return to Cebu on November 27 in time for the Triduum Masses leading to the National Thanksgiving on November 30.

Mejia explained the idea of the image visiting some dioceses around the country was conceptualized because the commissions wanted to share Calungsod to the Filipino people and to promote awareness on the saint.

But not all dioceses will be visited by the image because of time limitation, Mejia said.

“The original plan was to visit the four ecclesiastical territories in the year 1862, but many dioceses are sending their invitation for the image to visit their diocese. So we cannot accommodate all the dioceses because of the little time we have prior to the National Thanksgiving celebration,” Mejia furthered.

The ‘Duaw Nasud’ is a partnership effort of the National Commission and Cebu Commission for the National Visitation of the official image of soon-to-be San Pedro Calungsod.

The National Commission is in-charge of the Luzon visitation while the Cebu Commission takes charge of Visayas and Mindanao. (Jandel Posion)