Indelible mark in the hearts of Filipinos

POPE John Paul II left an indelible mark in the hearts and minds of Filipinos, especially in Cebu, where he last visited on Feb. 19 and 20, 1981.

To perpetuate his memory, the street leading to the I.T. Park, formerly called Juan Luna Avenue, was renamed after him.

Near the John Paul II Avenue is a diocesan seminary named after John XXIII.

“His visit to different countries made John Paul II establish connectedness to the faithful especially the youth,” said Fr. Mhar Balili, secretary of Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma.

He said a delegation from Cebu would most likely be organized for the coming canonization rites.

“No plans as of the moment. However, if the canonization will push through, we would be eager to witness such momentus celebration,” Balili told Cebu Daily News.

During his 1981 visit to Cebu, John Paul II presided over an open air Mass at the former Lahug airport, which has since become I.T. Park. He also spent the night at the Archbishop’s Residence.

Msgr. Esteban Binghay, one of the episcopal vicars of the Archdiocese of Cebu, said the canonization will likely be held in spring.

“It would have been great to have the canonization on Oct. 16 which is the 35th anniversary of John Paul II’s pontificate. But the date is too close and there is not enough time to prepare.”

Binghay said John Paul II will always be remembered by Filipinos for giving the country its first saint Lorenzo Ruiz on October 18, 1987 and beatifying the first Visayan martyr Pedro Calungsod on March 5, 2000.

Calungsod was elevated to sainthood by Pope Benedict XVI last year. /Reporter Ador Vincent Mayol