Book early, Cebu faithful urged

CEBU-based travel and tour operators specializing in pilgrimage tours are mapping out plans for the canonization of Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXIII.

Del Mar Travel and Tours, Inc. president and chief executive officer Marilou Ordonez said they still don’t have the definite date of the canonization yet.

“We have received circulars from the Vatican but there was no definite date yet. Everything as of now are all speculations,” she said. The dates of October 20 and December 8 were floated as possibilities, Ordonez said.

But for those interested to go to the Vatican and witness the event, they should start preparing their travel papers now, Ordonez said.

“Just like during the canonization of Saint Pedro Calungsod, we expect the same stringent visa processing so it’s better that they prepare as early as now,” Ordonez said.

Unlike the canonization of St. Pedro Calungsod, Ordonez said they expect only half of the number of pilgrims who will attend the event this time.

“Pope John Paul II is a very well loved Pope especially that he came to Cebu in the past but St. Pedro Calungsod is our very own saint that is why there were a lot who went to Vatican City. We expect at least half of the numbers last time,” Ordonez said.

She said three travel and tour operators in Cebu are busy preparing including them, Land and Sky and Sun Travel.

“We’ll offer the same packages like the Grand Marian, Divine Mercy, Shrines of Italy and more. In fact I already have one full bus for a Grand Marian package that will leave on October 5 until 22, that’s assuming the canonization will be on October 20,” Ordonez said.    Reporter Aileen Garcia-Yap