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.

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