Dominque Malaque calls himself a “BisDak” or Bisayang Daku. As a Cebuano who spent most of his 24 years of life in Pit-os, Talamban in Cebu City, he is excited that his “idol” beato will now be listed among the official saints of the Catholic Church in October. Growing up as an altar boy in San Isidro Labrador Parish since high school, he came to know Blessed Pedro when their group was renamed “Pedro Calungsod Altar Servers.” But even in his elementary years he would often wonder who this young Bisaya for whom the community would pray for his eventual canonization. His affinity to this Visayan martyr increased when he got the chance to serve as a senior acolyte at the Pedro Calungsod Shrine at the Archbishop Residence along D. Jakosalem Street. Knowing the character and virtues of this young catechist through various talks, homilies and lectures led him to deepen his devotion. He hopes that the Filipino youth like him will appreciate his values and look up to this future saint as a model of Filipino holiness.
The first step in appreciating and making Pedro Calungsod an example is knowing him. There are few writings about him. Among the notable sources of studying his life is the book “Pedro Calongsor Bisaya, Prospects of a Teenage Filipino” written by Fr. Ildebrando Jesus A. Leyson, the postulator for his cause of canonization. Jesuit theologian, Fr. Catalino Arevalo also has penned a biography “Pedro Calungsod, Young Visayan Proto-Martyr.” A comics version “Pedro Calungsod: A Youth for Chrisst” was published in 2000 by Word and Life Publications. However in this digital age, the Internet can provide rich information about him. Parents, educators and catechist should take time to read, speak about him and make him known.
Research confirms that Pedro Calungsod was a young man from Central Visayas, born around 1655. He was between 12 and 14 years old when he volunteered to be part of the missionary expedition of Fr. Diego Luis de San Vitores to the Marianas Islands in 1668. He served in the mission generously as sacristan, catechist even translator for about 4 years. On April 2, 1672 he was brutally killed, giving up his life bravely for the faith in the village of Tumhon, in Guam. He was probably 17 years old at the time of his death. His martyrdom was forgotten for a long time. It was only in 1994, after the beatification of his mentor and friend, Fr. Diego, that the cause for his beatification was introduced. Pedro was declared “Blessed” by Pope John Paul II on March 5, 2000. On Dec. 19, 2011 the Holy See approved evidence submitted of a miracle, qualifying him for sainthood. Pope Benedict XVI has set his canonization on October 21 on the occasion of World Mission Sunday.
Saints are a rare breed among us Filipinos. To date, Pedro is the second Filipino to be declared a saint by the Church. It is, therefore, a welcome thought that a Bisaya would also become world-class in terms of sanctity of life. Young as he was, he put his faith into action. He volunteered to go on mission with all its challenges. His spirit of sacrifice was exemplary by overcoming loneliness, separation from family and loved ones. Most of all he showed extraordinary courage by embracing death as the cost of following Jesus. This self-giving concretizes what St. Francis de Sales said: “the measure of love is to love without measure.” This theme was beautifully set into music by Msgr. Rudy Villanueva, renowned Cebuano novelist and composer, who wrote a song for Beato Pedro “Way Sukod ang Pagmahal” (There is no measure in love) during his beatification rite.
Today our young people experience serious challenges in their life of faith in a very permissive society. I support the religious sisters and the school administration of St. Theresa’s College for making a stand for the values they hold dear. Pedro Calungsod made an unwavering commitment for Christ. He brings in a fresh dose of Christian idealism for our dynamic young people also to make a stand for Jesus.
Thus like his “idol,” Dominique Malaque puts his faith in action by entering the seminary. He believes that the way to change the world is to start with one’s self. So he chooses the way of Christ.