MALOLOS City, Nov. 8, 2012—Thousands of young people, catechists, and pilgrims gathered at the Basilica Minore of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral last November 6 to welcome the official image of the 2nd Filipino Saint Pedro Calungsod.
Malolos Bishop Jose Oliveros in his homily during the Mass, extolled the characteristics of the Filipino saint, his being a young catechist and a martyr and challenged the young people to imitate the examples of the teen Saint.
He said a person’s holiness is not determined by age or status but by his service and offering of life for God and his people.
Oliveros also commended Calungsod’s calling as a catechist whose main purpose is to teach the faith. “Catechists also give a great service to God and the Church.”
The image was welcomed by Bishop Oliveros, together with Malolos Emeritus-Bishop Curilo Almario Jr. and Msgr. Andres Valera, the vicar general of the diocese.
Fr. Gino Carlo Herrera, coordinator of the visit of Saint Pedro Calungsod’s image to the diocese thanked organizers and all who prepared and participated in the celebration especially the youth and the catechists.
The visit include other activities such as veneration of the image, a catechesis on Calungsod’s works and life which was presented through audio-visual presentation, Taize prayer, and an overnight vigil.
A youth from Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish in Hagonoy who participated in the activities said that as a youth, he is very proud to know the second Filipino saint and was overwhelmed of the image’s visit to the Diocese.
He added that Saint Pedro Calungsod is a true model and symbol of a youth who loves and serves God.
Some catechists from Sto. Niño Parish in Santa Maria said that the saint is an inspiration to them as catechists and vowed to emulate his examples.
They added that now, they are more committed in catechizing the children whom they teach the Catholic faith.
The official image is currently at the diocese of Imus and is also set to visit Lipa, Lucena, Daet and Legazpi for the Luzon leg of the Duaw Nasud or the national visit of Saint Pedro Calungsod.
It will then proceed for the Visayas and Mindanao and will be brought back to Cebu on November 27 for the last stop of the Duaw Nasud and in preparation for the national thanksgiving celebration on November 30 in the said city. (Ryan Rayos/Jandel Posion)
