Pedro Calungsod, peace maker

This week is historic in multi-faith and Catholic-dominated Philippines.

Last Monday, after years of fighting, the Manila government and the biggest armed Bangsamoro group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, signed a framework agreement for the peaceful political resolution of the Bangsamoro question in Mindanao.

Then the Oct. 21 canonization of Blessed Pedro Calungsod in the Holy See signals a renewal of Catholic faith not just in Cebu but for all of Christendom in the world.

Differences in faith have fomented many armed conflicts, which is ironic as all religions strive to teach love and the importance of living harmoniously.

Before his beatification in 2000, little was known about Calungsod, a Visayan teeanger who sailed to the Marianas Islands (now Guam) with a Jesuit missionary, Fr. Diego Luis San Vitores in 1668.

Historical accounts of Calungsod’s work in the Marianas indicate that the lay cathechist helped pacify warring island natives. He didn’t carry any weapon for his and Blessed Diego’s protection.

On April 2, 1672, when they were attacked with spears, Calungsod did not retaliate, even if it was easy for him to defend and defeat their aggressors.

Scholars of Calungsod’s life view this as an indication of his love for peace and his courage to die for his faith.

Filipino Christians would do well to to reflect on the legacy of the soon-to-be second Filipino saint and the first Visayan martyr.

Even before Islam and Christianity took root in Mindanao and the Visayas, these two island groups of the archipelago engaged in active trade and cultural exchange.

Fast forward to the present, these ties are still very much present.

It doesnt’ take a difficult leap to reflect on the sacrifice of Calungsod with the struggle for self-determination of our Bangsamoro brethren who took the Islamic faith.

Conflicts are not borne out of differences in faith per se, but are fomented by power relations.

With the historic signing of the framework agreement for the political resolution of the Mindanao conflict, it’s high time to listen for this message of peace over the drumbeats of war.

Aspirations for peace and love among brothers are just as relevant in Calungsod’s 17th century reality as they are today with the challenge of Muslim Mindano.