ROME, Italy, Oct 20, 2012 —Filipinos based in the city trooped to the Basilica di Sant’Agostino for the first of three masses to celebrate Bl. Pedro Calungsod’s canonization.
Close to a thousand pilgrims, mostly OFWs in Rome gathered for the first Triduum mass on August 18 at the Basilica 'Sant Agostino.
According to Fr. Jan Limchua, a member of the Rome Commission for the canonization, most of the Filipinos who participated yesterday were OFWs living in Rome who usually have their day-offs on Thursdays.
A notably large delegation from the Middle eastern countries like Qatar and Saudi Arabia, however, was also present at the mass.
Fr. Limchua added he expects the number of pilgrims flying in all over the world for the canonization to grow steadily until Saturday, when the last of the Triduum masses will be held in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.
Among the members of the congregation were Mo. Teodora Juan MCST, Superior General of the Missionary Catechists of St. Therese; and Ambassador Mercedes A. Tuason, Philippine envoy to the Holy See.
Around 38 Filipino, Guamanina and Spanish priests concelebrated the mass with Abp. John Du, along with the hundreds of Filipinos who attended the Mass.
Fr. Rommel Par OSA, Assistant of the Augustinian Prior General for Asia, delivered an address on behalf of the Prior General Fr. Robert Prevost OSA, who was not able to attend the mass because of his participation in the Synod on New Evangelization. [Aaron James R. Veloso]
