Church already raises P4M

The Archdiocese of Cebu has already raised more than P4 million donated by private individuals for the canonization of Blessed Pedro Calungsod.

Another P10 million pesos will be collected from the 147 parishes and chapels all over Cebu.

This was the report of Msgr. Roberto Alesna during the meeting of the different committees tasked to prepare for Calungsod’s canonization on October 21.

Msgr. Alesna, Committee on Finance head, is also scheduled to meet with the business sector that pledged their support for the celebration.

Another fund-raising activity proposed during the meeting is a concert led by the Cebu Symphony Orchestra.

The meeting was presided by Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma and the council chairman for the Preparations for the Canonization of Blessed Calungsod Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal.

“Somehow we’re trying our best to organize ourselves now that we already know the exact date for the canonization. We’re now updating all the committees who will help us in the preparations for this celebration,” Vidal said.

Also discussed was the concern raised by some priests on whether the public should be appraised of the budget and fund-raising activities.

This developed after they received comments that the proposed P50-million budget is too much for the canonization of Blessed Pedro Calungsod.

However, Palma believes that the public will understand why they need such a huge amount.

“It’s not every year that we celebrate this. After a very long time, Pedro Calungsod has followed San Lorenzo Ruiz. The spirit of rejoicing should be there and of thanksgiving. And we have to celebrate this meaningfully and fruitfully. I know many people will understand that,” Palma said.

“I am not doubting the generosity of our people,” Cardinal Vidal added.

The official logo for Calungsod’s canonization was also presented during the meeting with the theme “Kinabuhing Gi-ula, Pagtuong Gimantala.”

Cardinal Vidal said they plan to have this printed on leaflets to be distributed to the public.

The Cebu Archdiocese will hold a “giant celebration” to welcome the arrival of the image of Blessed Pedro Calungsod.

After his canonization, his image would be transported to the Philippines and will tour the country for a month.

Cebu will be the last stop of the holy image and will be welcomed by a thanksgiving celebration.

A mass is scheduled on Nov. 30 at the South Road Properties (SRP).

A fluvial procession will also be held at the Mactan Channel.

Novena prayers have already started in the parishes of Cebu. Catholic schools and religious groups also hold catechesis to explain the life of Calungsod.

Calungsod is a Visayan youth who served in a mission to the Ladrones Islands, now known as Guam, in 1668. He and a Jesuit priest were killed by hostile natives in 1672.