Celebration venue moved to Mandaue

THE thanksgiving activities for the declaration of Beato Pedro Calungsod as a saint in October will not be held at the South Road Properties.

Apparently, it will be too costly for the Archdiocese of Cebu if it pushes through with the plan.

In a news conference yesterday, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said he understands why the venue has been transferred to Mandaue City.

Paul Hubahib, City Hall’s consultant on utilities and corporate relations, said it will cost the Archdiocese P100 million if it decides to hold the thanksgiving activities at the SRP.

Budget

The amount will cover the procurement of filling materials for the 25-hectare entertainment block, among others. The filling materials are needed so the area will be leveled, he said.

The church said it has set aside P60 million for the activities lined up for Calungsod’s canonization. The activities will include, among others, a thanksgiving mass.

Rama, however, remains optimistic and said Cebu City will still benefit, considering most of the hotels are here.

Rama earlier signified that the City is willing to allow the organizers to use the SRP, as the event will bring in both local and foreign tourists.

He said sainthood is not only a religious issue but educational, artistic, cultural and historical as well.

The mayor said he expects a lot of Cebuanos to attend the thanksgiving mass for Calungsod’s canonization, along with devotees from other provinces.

Calungsod was 18 when he was martyred in Guam in 1672, along with a Spanish Jesuit missionary, now Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores.

Calungsod was beatified by Blessed John Paul II on March 5, 2000.

Pope Benedict XVI announced in February that Calungsod will be one of seven blessed or beatified persons to be canonized or recognized as saints in October.