OUR VERY OWN. The wooden sculpture of Pedro Calungsod by Felix “Kid” Baldemor of Paete, Laguna, is superimposed against the seal of the Holy Name of Jesus, which hangs in the room where St. Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Jesuit Order, worked and guided his Order at the Gesu, in Rome. Calungsod will be canonized Sunday in the Vatican to become the second Filipino saint, after San Lorenzo Ruiz. Photo illustration is by Ricardo G. Velarde. EDWIN BACASMAS
Blessed Pedro Calungsod, young migrant, student, catechist, missionary, faithful, friend, and martyr, you inspire us by your fidelity in time of trial and adversity, by your courage in teaching the Faith in the midst of hostility and by your love in shedding your life’s blood for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus.
We beg you, make our cares and troubles your own [here mention the special intention you are asking him to bring to the Lord] and intercede for us before the throne of Mercy and Grace, so that as we experience the help of Heaven, we may be encouraged and strengthened to proclaim and live the Gospel here on earth. AMEN.
(Imprimatur: Ricardo Cardinal J. Vidal)