Pilgrims need prelate’s endorsement to make Rome trip official

PILGRIMS flying to Rome, Italy to witness the canonization of Blessed Pedro Calungsod will have to seek the endorsement of the Cebu archbishop.

They’re required to attend catechism classes, said Msgr. Ildebrando Leyson, Blessed Pedro Calungsod Shrine administrator.

He pointed out that the directive may not be strictly implemented but many of those going to Rome in October will be making side trips to other European cities.

“The focus of the celebration should be on the spiritual preparation of the people,” said Leyson, who was the postulator of Calungsod during the canonization process.

Penitential services

“There would be penitential services available to those who would be attending the national thanksgiving mass,” he said.

Pope Benedict XVI announced the canonization date for Calungsod after he promulgated a decree acknowledging the miraculous healing attributed to Calungsod’s intercession
At the shrine, the concern is how to encourage the youth to identify with the Visayan martyr, Leyson said.

“The purpose of canonizations is not just for celebrations. There should be intense preparation of the people,” he said.

“Pilgrims… should know what is going on, how the canonization is relevant to their lives,” he added.

Leyson said a series of catechisms is being organized by Msgr. Vicente Tupas Jr., who serves as director of the Archdiocesan Catechetical Center.

Capitol assistance

Calungsod will be the country’s second saint. The first saint was Lorenzo Ruiz, who was also a martyr who died for his faith in Nagasaki, Japan. He worked as a calligrapher for the Dominican parish of Binondo, Manila.

Ruiz was the first person to be beatified outside Vatican City during liturgical rites held in Manila by Blessed Pope John Paul II in 1981. He was canonized six years after.

In a related development, the Provincial Government will provide security for canonization activities here in Cebu. However, it will have to look into giving financial assistance as this might violate a constitutional provision separating the church and state.

“While the canonization is a religious activity, it also concerns the general welfare of the people (attending it) since they are Cebuanos,” Gov. Gwen Garcia said.

Article II, Section 6 of the Constitution states: “The separation of the Church and State shall be inviolable.”