Pedro’s example

What does it mean to live like Saint Pedro Calungsod? The challenge of Guam Archbishop Anthony Apuron, delivered from the nave of Saint Peter’s Basilica, should first be taken to heart by young Filipinos.

Pedro Calungsod had a noble vision. He was about 13 years old when he left the Philippines to help spread the Christian faith in faraway Marianas Islands.

Today, according to a 2010 National Youth Commission (NYC) study, more than half of young Pinoys want to work abroad just to earn better pay.

Calungsod valued chastity and purity. Church scholars say he resisted the practice of young male prostitutes in Guam even when many of his acquaintances caved in.

A 10-year-old Young Adult Fertility Study (YAFS) shows that more than half of young Filipino adolescents have access to pornographic reading and audio-visual materials.

More than a third think that early sexual encounter is acceptable. About half of youths between 15 to 17 agree. Nearly a quarter of all youths have engaged in premarital sex.

Calungsod was proactive in studying the tenets of Catholic faith.

Dr. Corazon Raymundo of the University of the Philippines Population Institute said the YAFS shows there is a breakdown in the connection between young people and the Church.

One in five young Filipinos are Catholic, but only about two-thirds go to church at least weekly.

Calungsod was a person of hope. He looked forward to eternal salvation and happiness after earthly trials.

Dr. Raymundo said more than one out of 10 Filipino youngsters have taken illegal drugs and contemplated suicide.

The Philippine’s second saint was a charitable person. His was a life of dedicated service.

The NYC study shows that about a third of all youths volunteer in community service in times of emergency and a little over a third have joined projects or support advocacies for environment protection.

As the image of Saint Pedro Calungsod travels around the country for the Duaw Nasud, the boy who is the Philippine’s second saint will be introduced to communities where, with hope, the flame of service, love, true friendship and joy in one’s faith, enjoys a fresh burst.