The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) is exerting
more effort to make Filipinos better acquainted with the life and
sacrifice of Blessed Pedro Calungsod, ahead of his canonization at the
Vatican City in Rome on October 21.The CPCP Episcopal Commission on Social Communications and Mass Media on Saturday briefed the media on Calungsod's life, his mission, martyrdom and his miracle.
It also spoke on the role of media in spreading the good news on the canonization of the second Filipino saint after Saint Lorenzo Ruiz.
“This is a very visible manifestation of his recognition, of the need to have a young person proclaimed as having lived a virtuous life especially since Pope Benedict is worried that in 3 or 4 years, 3/4ths of the world will no longer know who Christ is. This is like validating or affirming our role as Christians in the world,” said Amb. Henrietta de Villa.
“Every Filipino should be grateful to God because we have another model,” said Fr. Marvin Mejia, CBCP assistant secretary general.
Pope Benedict XVI beatified Calungsod on February 18.
Philippine representatives say Calungsod's canonization will be preceded by a week-long celebration in Rome.
Calungsod's image will then be brought to Manila on October 25 for visits to various dioceses across the country.
A national thanksgiving is scheduled in Cebu at the end of November.