Vidal to consider image from Paete

An image of Blessed Pedro Calungsod made in Paete, Laguna is coming to Cebu on Friday.

Archbishop Emeritus of Cebu Ricardo Cardinal Vidal said the image was purposely made to match the features he wanted to have for the Calungsod’s “model statue.”

The image from Paete, which is known for its best wooden sculptors, will be presented by Rev. Fr. Jose Quilongquilong to the cardinal.

Vidal, who started Calungsod’s cause for sainthood, will choose one among five statues that will become the official image of the Visayan martyr.

“I told him (Fr. Quilongquilong) that the features we would like (to have) is that of a young man,” the 81-year-old prelate said in a press conference in his residence at the Sto. Village in barangay Banilad, Cebu City yesterday.

Vidal said Calungsod’s image should not depict the features of a mestizo.

“It must have the looks of a Filipino, not a mestizo. And not only a Filipino but a Bisaya. The one being used in the shrine is a mestizo,” he said.

The image should hold palm leaves and carry the Doctrina Christiana or the Book of Catechism in his hands.

“He (Calungsod) must be bringing the Doctrina Cristinana since he was a catechist. Since he was a martyr, the palm must be attached to the body so people won’t touch that one,” the cardinal said.

The palm symbolizes martyrs who offered their lives for the Lord.

Also, Vidal said Calungsod’s image should be “on the move” to depict movement from one place to another as shown by catechists in evangelizing people.

The image will also wear simple sandals and not be barefooted as earlier announced.

Vidal said the image from Paete measures about five feet tall.

The image that will be chosen by Vidal will be used for the Oct. 21 canonization rites in Rome.

The Archdiocese of Cebu wants to make sure that the faithful will be able to distinguish between Calungsod and San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila.

Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint, was canonized in 1987. His statue commonly portrays him wearing a white barong Tagalog and black pants. Most of his images show Lorenzo clasping and holding a rosary.

Calungsod will have white pants, will hold palm leaves and the Doctrina Christiana.

Calungsod’s painting which has been used in the Churches and during the beatification of the Visayan martyr in 2000 will remain as is because it was already approved by the Vatican. /Ador Vincent S. Mayol