MANILA, Nov. 27, 2012?How does one measure the impact of a new saint in the Church?
For Directors of Vocations in the Philippines (DVP) National Coordinator Fr. Rochester Charles Resuello, one concrete effect would be an increase in vocations in the Philippines.
“I am expecting of more vocations (sic), especially in Cebu,” he said in an interview.
For Fr. Resuello, the newly-canonized saint’s example is like a “big invitation” to sainthood and a life well-lived, especially to young people.
According to Fr. Resuello, several characteristics make St. Pedro Calungsod particularly appealing to young people, such as his dedication and his witness to faith.
“(The) number one tool for vocations promotions is life witnessing,” he added, saying it is an even more effective means than posters, websites or brochures promoting vocations.
Fr. Resuello, who helps oversee formation programs and training for some 50 vocations directors in the country, said life witnessing allows a person to join a youth’s personal life journey.
He seems to be banking on the fact that the example of St. Pedro Calungsod, who was martyred in 1672, will be riveting and inspiring to modern Filipinos, even after more than three hundred years.
According to the 2012 Pontifical Yearbook, there is a trend of increasing priestly and religious vocations, especially in Asia and Africa.
Though specific figures for the Philippines are not available yet, there was an increase of 1,695 priestly vocations in Asia, to which the Philippines contributed considerably. [Nirva’ana Ella Delacruz]
