The chaplain of the San Pedro Calungsod Chapel in SM Aura Taguig said the second Filipino saint continues to serve as an inspiration to Catholics.
“San Pedro Calungsod is not just a story from the past. He continues to inspire,” Samaniego said in his homily last April 2, feast of Calungsod.
Samaniego said Calungsod’s martyrdom should inspire the laity for selfless service.
“Let us continue loving Him so that we can also share His love to our brothers and sisters,” he said. “Through the examples of San Pedro, let us open our eyes not to be selfless.”
Talking about the “trials and tests of faith” of the nation, Samaniego said Calungsod was a reminder to Filipino Catholics to place their full trust in God.
“Faith in God does not mean exemption from trials," he said. "Jesus does not give us a promise that to trust in Him means having a worry-free life. Even though there are problems, our faith in Him will make us realize that He loves us.”
The chapel mounted the Palarong Pambata. Calungsod is supposed to be a saint for the youth.
The Metro Manila Film Festival entry, “Pedro Calungsod: Batang Martir,” was also shown for free. A concert, “Parangal kay San Pedro Calungsod,” concluded the celebration.
Other dioceses also organized activities in honor of the second Filipino saint.
St. James the Greater Parish in Dapitan City organized a blood-letting activity, “Dugong Martir, Dugtong Buhay,” while the Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi in Naga City organized a gathering for the youth, “Barkadahay ni Pedro at the Baywalk.”
Calungsod was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on October 21, 2012.
