Calungsod pride felt in Philippines

FILIPINOS, especially the young ones, celebrated Sunday the introduction of Pedro Calungsod as the second Filipino saint.

Amid the waving of Philippine flaglets and a mini-flag bearing his face at the event organized by the Catholic Media Network (CMN) in San Juan City, teenager Monica Francia admitted that she felt honored of being part of such a historic event.

"I feel so humbled and blessed to be part of this great event in the Catholic Church. This serves as a reminder and inspiration that each Filipino can make a huge difference in proclaiming our faith," Francia said.

Attendees of the event were able witness the activities that transpired in Vatican through EWTN live feed, which was also shown on Sun.Star website at www.sunstar.com.ph.

Prior to the actual canonization rites in Vatican, a mass was presided over by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines–Episcopal Commission on Social Communications and Mass Media (CBCP-ECSCMM).

In his homily, Cortez echoed the testimony of Francia, saying Calungsod's achievement is a source of national pride.

"Kadalasan ang mundo ay titingin sa ating bansa ang nakikita ay kadiliman, iskandalo, nakawan, patayan, sakuna. Ngayon, ang buong mundo ay titingin sa ating bansa at makikita nila na ang bansang Pilipinas ay may magandang liwanag, may magandang katotohanan, may magandang kabutihan (What the world usually sees from this country are darkness, controversies, corruption, bloodshed, and adversity. Today, the world will see light, truth, and righteousness from this country)," said the bishop.

"Kaya ng Pilipino maging matapat. Kaya ng Pilipino maging dalisay, makatotohanan at mag-alay ng buhay para sa kabutihaan, para sa pananampalataya, para sa Diyos (The Filipinos can be honest. Filipinos can be pure, forthright, and willing to sacrifice his life for goodness, for his faith, and for God)," Cortez added.

Among the personalities that attended the gathering were former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, former ambassador to the Vatican Henrietta de Villa, and presidential sister Viel Aquino-Dee.

Similar gatherings were also held in Tondo, Manila; Makati; Novaliches, Quezon City; and Cebu.

At the Vatican, Vice President Jejomar Binay called on Filipinos to exercise humility and reflect on the sacrifice made by St. Calungsod in defense of his faith.

"Today, in various places around the world, 12 million of our people face daily challenges as they provide for their loved ones at home. I pray that like our first saint, St. Lorenzo Ruiz who was martyred as a migrant, the heroism of St. Pedro Calungsod will inspire Filipinos working overseas as they face their challenges. I hope that his life will serve as a model not only for our youth but our fellow Filipinos abroad, as their patron saint," he said.

Binay led 5,000-strong Philippine contingent that joined the pontifical mass.

"The challenges are many, yet with unity, courage and faith in the Almighty, I am extremely confident that we will rise above these challenges. Let us continue praying for ourselves, our loved ones, and our nation," the Vice President said.

Born in the Visayas in 1654, Calungsod was doing missionary work in Guam in 1672 when he was killed for his faith, together with Blessed Diego San Luis Vitores, at a young age of 17.

Calungsod's canonization takes place 12 years after he was beatified by Pope John Paul II in March 2000. (HDT/Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)