Blessed Pedro Calungsod
MANILA, Philippines—The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines is urging Catholic schools to teach their students the life and faith of Blessed Pedro Calungsod among students.
Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, the current CBCP president, said in an article posted on the CBCP website that “the young must be reminded of the freedom, responsibility and work towards a life of faith that was lived by Calungsod.”
“That is expected to all member-schools of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), meaning, all the values promoted by the Catholic Church should also be promoted by the institution. That we can wish, knowing that indeed the young saint who was martyred has too much to offer and has a wonderful message to the youth,” Palma was quoted by the article as saying.
Palma said he hoped Catholic schools would prioritize the teaching of Calungsod’s life and works so that students will learn about the soon-to-be second Filipino saint.
According to Palma, Calungsod reminded the people of the importance of faith and doing great sacrifices.
“Perhaps a young saint is a reminder that we, too, are called to greatness,” he added.
Calungsod was martyred on April 2, 1672. He was beatified by the late Pope John Paul II on March 5, 2000.
He will be canonized in Rome on October 21 by Pope Benedict XVI and will be the second Filipino saint after St. Lorenzo Ruiz, who was canonized in 1987.