San Pedro Calungsod remembered

Prelate urges devotees to spread the good news of the Lord just like what Calungsod did

A Mass was offered Tuesday evening at San Pedro Calungsod Shrine to commemorate the 341st death and martyrdom anniversary of the Cebuano saint and Blessed Padre Diego Luis de San Vitores.

The Mass officiated by Msgr. Ildebrando Leyson was followed by a procession.

In his homily, Msgr. Leyson told the mass-goers to show their devotion to Calungsod not only by clinging on his image, but by spreading the good news of the Lord just like what Calungsod did in Guam in the 17th century together with Padre Diego.

“We are attracted to a life of a young Visayan who lived 341 years ago. We have never met him but many people experienced his presence, receiving his favors. And authentically people attracted by the life of San Pedro Calungsod starts spreading the good news of God because our devotion should not be limited to clinging his statue, having his relics but to become St. Pedro Calungsod, today,” Leyson said.

He added that like Calungsod, we should be inspired by the Lord and Mary the Queen of the Apostles, wanting people to be converted, to worship God and live the gospel of the Lord. And that we should not end the day without talking about Jesus in our minds, hearts and words, and doing things that will make people realize that indeed Jesus is alive.

“He (Calungsod) had the courage to announce Jesus to the people in Marianas because he was so convinced of the word of Jesus and that he was willing to die for it. And that is what we are celebrating today,” he said.

Hundreds of devotees attended the Mass, including Rey Carpas, 35, of barangay Busay, Cebu City.

A flower decorator, Carpas said he has been a devotee of the first Visayan saint since he was in college.

He said he considered his everyday life on earth and all the blessings he received as miracles from God, through the intercession of Calungsod.

He said his greatest answered prayer was when his wife got pregnant of their second child.

His wife is now seven months pregnant. His eldest son is now seven years old. /CORRESPONDENT Fe Marie D. Dumaboc