MANILA, Oct. 21, 2012—The historical canonization of Pedro Calungsod today will not only be imprinted in textbooks, newspapers or in the web. It will also be featured in a limited edition of postal stamps, which will serve as a “mobile” promotion of this young Filipino’s martyrdom.
The Pedro Calungsod Canonization stamps were launched during a Mass sponsored by the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Catechesis and Catholic Education (ECCCE) at the historic Mary Queen of Peace Shrine along EDSA in Mandaluyong, this noon.
Priests and officials of the Philippine Postal Corporation unveil the samples of the limited edition Pedro Calungsod Canonization stamps in a Mass held at EDSA Shrine earlier today.
Fr. Gregorio Bañaga, C.M. of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines and Fr. Eduardo Corosa of the Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Sta. Mesa, Manila led the blessing of the frame containing the limited edition of the special stamps and official first day cover envelopes.
The 40×30 millimeter special “stamp within a stamp” features the original Pedro Calungsod stamp issued during his 330th death anniversary on April 2, 2002. Beside the photo of Calungsod is a map of the island of Guam where the young Filipino went for a missionary work with the Jesuits.
In an interview with YouthPinoy, Luis Carlos, deputy postmaster general for operations, said the Philippine Postal Corporation only produced 50,000 pieces of the limited edition Pedro Calungsod Canonization stamps. Each Pedro Calungsod Canonization stamp costs P9 only while the envelope with stamp costs P17.
“Stamps are reflective of a nation’s culture, history and values. We produced these stamps in honor of Pedro Calungsod as our second Filipino saint. His faithfulness and perseverance are very symbolic of our values as Filipinos,” Carlos said.
Carlos added that not everyone has the honor of being featured in a stamp but the Philippine Postal Corporation featured Calungsod because of his values and service that are “worthy of emulation.”
“When these stamps are used for mailing, they go all over the country and even overseas. It stirs question and intrigue to those who do not know Pedro Calungsod and his life. In a way, these stamps serve as a mobile promotion of his martyrdom and sainthood,” Carlos added.
Stamp collector Benjamin Respicio said attending the Mass as EDSA shrine was hitting two birds with one stone for him. Aside from hearing the Sunday Mass, Respicio was one of the very few who were able to buy the limited edition Pedro Calungsod Canonization stamps, ahead of its official selling period on Monday.
“It is very significant for stamp collectors to have a Pedro Calungsod Canonization stamp because it is very limited. Besides, it’s not every day that we have a Filipino named a saint,” he said. (YouthPinoy)
