0 Calungsod chapel in SRP looted

The newly-built San Pedro Calungsod Chapel in the South Road Properties (SRP) was looted.

Acting Cebu City Police Office chief, Senior Supt. Mariano Natu-el Jr. said robbers took away P100,000 cash and an undetermined amount of bank checks from a drawer in the living quarter of nuns and other workers serving the religious facility.

The robbery was discovered last Sunday morning, he said.

Police investigators found the doors leading to the living quarter destroyed.

Inspector William Alicaba, Theft and Robbery Section chief, said that they will invite the two guards, a nun, the chapel secretary and others who have access to the basement leading to the living quarter to shed light on the robbery.

Police investigators are not discounting possibility of inside job in the robbery.

The money came from proceeds of baptism and weddings held at the chapel last week and was supposed to be deposited to the bank yesterday.

The nun’s quarters was located at the basement of the chapel in which one of the rooms also serves as an office where a plastic drawer containing the money was placed.

“There was no forced entry in the first door, but the door knob in the second door was destroyed, and the drawer pried open,” Natuel said.

The chapel was donated by the family of Henry Sy, owner of the SM group of companies that own the country’s biggest chain of malls.

It was formally opened in Nov. 29, 2012, a day before the Calungsod National Thankgiving Mass was held in the templete in a vacant SRP nearby.

The Calungsod chapel is located inside SM Seaside Complex that is still under construction.

Chito O. Aragon, Correspondent
Cebu Daily News

0 Calungsod chapel burglarized

The San Pedro Calungsod Chapel lost P100,000 and an undetermined amount of bank checks to burglars Sunday dawn.

Chapel employees discovered the burglary at 10 a.m. Sunday and reported the incident to the Mambaling Police Station.

Margarita Mateo, chapel’s secretary, told the police the drawer containing the wedding and baptism collection of the chapel amounting to P100,000 were missing last Sunday morning.

Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) Acting Director Mariano Natuel Jr. said the burglar destroyed two doors in the chapel basement.

He said the first door, whose lock was destroyed, leads to the quarters, where the priest and nuns usually sleep.

“Kaning first door sa basement, inig abli nimo, daghan ang door para sa quarters. Then ang kawatan ni-destroy sa usa sa mga doors sa quarters which lead to where the drawer is,” explained Natuel.

He said no one was sleeping on the quarters and only the guard on duty on the basement was around.

A key is needed to open the drawer. Natuel said there were no signs that the drawer was forcibly opened, which means that the burglar has the key of the drawer.

The first level of the drawer is where the collection, worth P100,000, was placed, while the second level contained coins and P20 bills.

Natuel said the burglar only took the P100,000 and left the coins and bills with small denominations.

“Kani nga drawer usa ra ang yawe kinahanglan para maabli tanan (This drawer only has one key),” said Natuel.

Theft and Robbery Section Chief Insp. William Alicaba said there were only two employees who have the copies of the keys. He said they are still gathering for information from the two security guards on-duty, two nuns who have the keys and the chapel’s secretary.

He said the guards on duty from 12 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. will be called as they were both on-duty from the time the money might have been stolen until the time it was discovered missing.

“We cannot comment yet if it was an inside job. We need to check first on the details,” said Alicaba in an interview with the media yesterday.

The St, Pedro Calungsd Chapel was built by SM Prime Holdings Inc. and is located within the 30-hectare SM Seaside Complex at the South Road Properties (SRP).

By Bernadette A. Parco and Jill B. Tatoy
SunStar Ceb

0 New Cebu Philharmonic Orchestra introduced in concert for San Pedro Calungsod



MARISSA N. Fernan, VP for Visayas and Mindanao of
SM Prime Holdings Inc., poses with Ingrid
Sala-Santamaria and the CPO for posterity.

 Saint Pedro Calungsod, of course, belongs not just to Cebu but to the Philippines. The same can be said of San Lorenzo Ruiz of Binondo, Manila.

St. Pedro, however, is also Visayan. He reportedly came from Cebu, and understandably the Cebuanos are very proud of him. And that is why the new chapel at the rising SM Seaside Complex in Cebu City has been renamed after our second saint.

The big imposing chapel, built by SM Cebu, has a striking retablo (altarpiece) with an abstract, rectangular column forming a pyramid shape. Mother Mary and St. Joseph are on both sides, with the Crucified Lord above.

The chapel was the venue of the recent concert “Faith & Music: Glorious Gifts,” organized by Marissa N. Fernan, VP of SM Prime Holdings Inc. (responsible for the Visayas and Mindanao) and Arts Council of Cebu.

The concert was a musical tribute to St. Pedro, in thanksgiving for his canonization, and also a fundraising event for the new Cebu Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO) led by Reynaldo Abellana.

Soloists were celebrated pianist Ingrid Sala-Santamaria; soprano Rhea May Sadaya; and young violinists Gilbert Ramos and Amira Axelle Miel, who are members of CPO.

The repertoire was a treat for any lover of Baroque-classical-Romantic music.

The orchestra, led by Abellana, opened up with a brisk rendering of Beethoven’s “Coriolanus” Overture, followed by the first movement of Mozart’s Symphony No. 25.

The familiar strains of the intermezzo in Mascagni’s “Cavalleria Rusticana” remained haunting; and Bach’s Double Violin Concerto in D Minor, interpreted by Ramos and Miel, was a delight.

The lilting Visayan hymn “Nonot Kamo Kanako” (Follow Me), arranged by Francisco Feliciano, sung by Sadaya, was a paean to Mother Nature, her birds, and “the song of the land.”



CONDUCTOR Reynaldo Abellana is congratulated by

Santamaria (also right).



“St. Pedro Calungsod” by Percival Cacanindin was a slow, almost majestic tribute to the new saint, first performed by the orchestra and then, as a coda, sang by Sadaya in English.

Sala-Santamaria was in her element, performing Chopin’s familiar but always thrilling Piano Concerto No. 1, tossing off the lyrical as well as bombastic passages with energy, grace and brio.

The orchestra members are mostly young, led by a young conductor-director, and in time they should give their more experienced counterparts in Manila a run for their money.

The concert at the Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod was a step in that direction.

By Amadis Ma. Guerrero

Philippine Daily Inquirer

0 Calungsod off to Panay, Romblon for Duaw Nasud II

ALMOST five months since its last sojourn, the image of the second Filipino saint will be brought to Ilo-ilo City by sea for the second leg of the Duaw Nasud.

A send off Mass will be celebrated at the San Pedro Calungsod Shrine along D. Jakosalem Street in Cebu City at 4 p.m. today.

After the Eucharistic celebration, a motorcade will bring Calungsod’s image to a Cebu City pier where the vessel that would carry the sacred icon to Ilo-Ilo awaits.

Fr. Charles Jayme, the official custodian of the image, said the Church would want to perpetuate Calungsod’s memory.

“This (Duaw Nasud) is our continued propagation of the devotion to San Pedro Calungsod,” he said in a text message to Cebu Daily News.

For 11 days, the image of San Pedro Calungsod will travel again to different churches in Panay and Romblon slands.

It will be brought back to Cebu on May 10.

UP-Cebu Intern Apple Mae Ta-as
Cebu Daily News

0 Barkada ni Pedro finds new hangout

ARCHBISHOP emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal named San Pedro Calungsod Youth Center (SPCYC) as the new ‘tambayan’ of the Barkada ni Pedro.

The center, established by the Commission on Youth more than a year ago, was formerly called the Archdiocesan Youth Center.

In response to the spiritual needs of the Barkada ni Pedro, the Commission on Youth is initiating a weekly Eucharistic celebration centered in honor of San Pedro Calungsod called ‘Tambayan ni Pedro’ at the SPCYC on P. Burgos Street, Cebu City every Friday at 6 p.m.

It is called ‘Tambayan ni Pedro’ because San Pedro Calungsod’s favorite hangout was the Holy Mass since he was a Sacristan during his lifetime.

Moreover, the ‘Tambayan ni Pedro’ is an avenue where prayer-petitions posted in San Pedro Calungsod’s facebook fan page are offered.

The eight districts of the Archdiocese of Cebu are the weekly pilgrims, but everybody is welcome to join.

For details, call the San Pedro Calungsod Youth Center at 5205234.

Cebu Daily News

0 Play celebrates life and Christian example of San Pedro Calungsod

“SAN PEDRO Calungsod, Batang Santo” is written and
directed by Francis Villacorta.

Francis O. Villacorta’s historical drama “San Pedro Calungsod, Batang Santo” tells the story of the young Visayan-Filipino from the 17th century who was canonized on Oct. 21, 2012, at St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City, and became the second Filipino saint in history.

The touring production is designed to increase awareness of and appreciation for Calungsod’s virtues and martyrdom among the young. Villacorta is convinced there is so much to learn from the story of the young soldier of Jesus Christ. “In telling his story, I seek to challenge the young generation today to find meaning in their own lives and define the essence of their own existence through the example of San Pedro Calungsod’s short yet fruitful Christian life. For in the end, our lives will be defined by what we do for the rest of humanity or, simply, for another person’s life.”

On April 2, 1672, Calungsod, a migrant missionary catechist, gave up his life after suffering four years of religious persecution inflicted by the Chamorro natives on the Spanish Jesuit missionaries and the workers of the San Diego Mission to the Marianas (now Guam).

Calungsod was the Visayan-Filipino companion of Jesuit missionary Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores. Together, they traversed the islands of the Marianas preaching the Christian faith, baptizing children and adult natives.

Known to the Spaniards as Pedro Calungsor and to his superior Father Diego as “Indio Bisaya,” Calungsod was educated in a Jesuit boarding school for boys headed by Fr. Pedro Chirino. At a very young age, he learned Spanish and Latin, the visual arts and carpentry.

Under the Jesuits, he was trained in service of the Holy Mass and the teaching of Catholic catechism. He helped the Catholic church perform its functions in the Visayan communities. He joined the San Diego Mission led by superior Fr. Diego Luis de San Vitores to Guam, then known as Islas de las Ladrones.

A month after the killing of Father San Vitores and Pedro Calungsod, the process of beatification was initiated for the mission superior. The process, however, was overtaken by many political and religious conflicts that followed.

In 1981, when preparations for the 20th anniversary of Hagatna   (Guam) as a diocese were being done, the 1673 cause for the beatification of Father Diego was uncovered from the archives. This revived the process which resulted in San Vitores’ beatification on Oct. 6, 1985, and also paved the way for the recognition of Pedro Calungsod, who was later beatified himself, and eventually canonized on March 5, 2000, at St. Peter’s Square in Rome.

The play “San Pedro Calungsod, Batang Santo” stars BJ “Tolits” Forbes, Jojo Riguerra, Robert Correa, Abel Napuran, Juan Miguel Severo, Francis Cruz, Jamieson Tracy Lee, Richard Manabat, Perry Escano, James Lomahan, Joey de Guzman, Ronald Regala, Jack Falcis, Leo Priscilla, Bobby Tamayo and Emlyn Olfindo Santos. For inquiries, call 0917-4682045, 3841009 or 5248454.

0 San Pedro Calungsod remembered

Prelate urges devotees to spread the good news of the Lord just like what Calungsod did.

A Mass was offered Tuesday evening at San Pedro Calungsod Shrine to commemorate the 341st death and martyrdom anniversary of the Cebuano saint and Blessed Padre Diego Luis de San Vitores.

The Mass officiated by Msgr. Ildebrando Leyson was followed by a procession.

In his homily, Msgr. Leyson told the mass-goers to show their devotion to Calungsod not only by clinging on his image, but by spreading the good news of the Lord just like what Calungsod did in Guam in the 17th century together with Padre Diego.

“We are attracted to a life of a young Visayan who lived 341 years ago. We have never met him but many people experienced his presence, receiving his favors. And authentically people attracted by the life of San Pedro Calungsod starts spreading the good news of God because our devotion should not be limited to clinging his statue, having his relics but to become St. Pedro Calungsod, today,” Leyson said.

He added that like Calungsod, we should be inspired by the Lord and Mary the Queen of the Apostles, wanting people to be converted, to worship God and live the gospel of the Lord. And that we should not end the day without talking about Jesus in our minds, hearts and words, and doing things that will make people realize that indeed Jesus is alive.

“He (Calungsod) had the courage to announce Jesus to the people in Marianas because he was so convinced of the word of Jesus and that he was willing to die for it. And that is what we are celebrating today,” he said.

Hundreds of devotees attended the Mass, including Rey Carpas, 35, of barangay Busay, Cebu City.

A flower decorator, Carpas said he has been a devotee of the first Visayan saint since he was in college.

He said he considered his everyday life on earth and all the blessings he received as miracles from God, through the intercession of Calungsod.

He said his greatest answered prayer was when his wife got pregnant of their second child.

His wife is now seven months pregnant. His eldest son is now seven years old.

By Fe Marie D. Dumaboc
Cebu Daily News

0 San Pedro Calungsod's life and example celebrated in stage play

Francis O. Villacorta’s historical drama “San Pedro Calungsod, Batang Santo” tells the story of a young Visayan-Filipino from the 17th century who was canonized last October 21, 2012 at St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City and became the second Filipino saint in history.

The dramatic presentation is designed to increase awareness and appreciation of San Pedro Calungsod’s martyrdom.

“San Pedro Calungsod, Batang Santo” stars BJ “Tolits” Forbes, Jojo Riguerra, Robert Correa, Abel Napuran, Juan Miguel Severo, Francis Cruz, Jamieson Tracy Lee, Richard Manabat, Perry Escano, James Lomahan, Joey de Guzman, Ronald Regala, Jack Falcis, Leo Priscilla, Bobby Tamayo and Emlyn Olfindo Santos.

On April 2, 1672, Pedro Calungsod, a migrant missionary catechist, was martyred while doing missionary work among the Chamorro natives of the Marianas Islands (Guam). He died along with a group of Spanish Jesuit missionaries and workers of the San Diego Mission to the Marianas.

Calungsod was the Visayan-Filipino companion of Jesuit missionary Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores. Together, they traversed the perilous islands of the Marianas preaching the Christian faith, baptizing children and adult natives.

Known to the Spaniards as Pedro Calungsor and to his superior, Father Diego, as “Indio Bisaya”, Calungsod was educated in a Jesuit boarding school for boys headed by Father Pedro Chirino. At a very young age, he learned Spanish and Latin, the visual arts and carpentry.

Under the Jesuits, he was trained in service of the Holy Mass and the teaching of Catholic catechism. He helped the Catholic church perform its functions in the Visayan communities.

Calungsod joined the San Diego Mission led by superior Father Diego Luis de San Vitores to what was then known as Islas de las Ladrones (later to be renamed the Marianas and is known today as Guam). As a mission assistant, Pedro helped the Spanish missionaries in baptizing the Chamorro natives and sharing with them the Gospel. Along with other young Filipino boys, many of whom were Pampangos and Visayans, he also helped in building churches in the villages.

History records that a month after the killing of Father San Vitores and Pedro Calungsod, the process of beatification was initiated for the mission superior. The process however was overtook by many political and religious conflicts that followed.

In 1981, the 1673 cause for the beatification of Father Diego was uncovered from the archives. This revived the process which resulted in San Vitores’s beatification on October 6, 1985. This paved the way to the recognition of Pedro Calungsod who was later beatified himself.

During the celebrations of the Jubilee Year 2000, Pope John Paul II, in recognition of the work of young Asian laypersons, approved the decree super martyrio of Pedro Calungsod on the first month of the same year. This led to the beatification of Calungsod on March 5, 2000 at Saint Peter’s Square in Rome.

0 Kin, devotees to celebrate Calungsod feast day in Pikit, Davao

DAVAO CITY - Relatives and devotees of St. Pedro Calungsod, the second Filipino saint, will celebrate his first feast day in Pikit town, North Cotabato and in this city on April 2.

Visminda Calungsod Filipinas, a fourth generation descendant of the Visayan saint, said she will lead a feast in Ginatilan village in Pikit, where the descendants of Calungsod from Ginatilan in Cebu have migrated.

The clan will hold a mass in a chapel that was named after St. Calungsod, built in Barangay Ginatilan after his canonization.

A young catechist and martyred in the 17th century, St. Calungsod was canonized last October 21 by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at the St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

He was martyred together with Blessed Padre Diego Luís de San Vitores on April 2, 1672 in Guam.

Catholics worldwide celebrated St. Calungsod’s first memorial feast last March 23, instead of April 2, the original memorial date.

April 2 falls within the Easter octave, or eight days after Easter Sunday.

Easter octave takes precedence over feast days and memorials of saints, according to an article at the website of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines.

Along with church members in the village, Filipinas said her family will prepare various food dishes to be shared with everyone who will celebrate with them.

Avelino Calungsod Bation, Jr., also a relative who became a Pangulo sa Liturhiya (leader of liturgy) last February, said a Eucharistic celebration will also be held at the St. Calungsod chapel in Barangay Biao here on April 2.

Another chapel in Barangay Ula here, which was built by the saint’s devotees, most of them Filipino migrant workers, will also hold a mass on his feast day, Bation said.

Filipinas’ sister, Ulalia Cascaro Guerrero, said members of the Calungsod clan in Mindanao are also found in the cities of General Santos, Kidapawan and Cotabato; and in the towns of Midsayap, Antipas and Magpet in North Cotabato, and Malita in Davao del Sur.

She said the clan has existing programs since 2000, including scholarship grants and a cooperative in the city.

This year, the clan plans to establish a national cooperative and a “council of elders,” which will settle conflicts among family members over land and other properties, Guerrero added.

Bation, who was inspired by St. Calungsod to become a local church leader, said the saint’s chapels here also hold seminars for unmarried couples and unbaptized children.

Lorie Ann Cascaro
MindaNews