Calungsod Canonization a source of ‘great spiritual joy’, says Palace aide

Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo leads the Philipino clery in venerating the image of Blessed Pedro Calungsod at the altar of Chiesa del Gesù in Rome during the 2nd day of the Triduum on Friday./Fr. Mhar Balili, Contributor

MANILA, Philippines – The canonization of Pedro Calungsod in Rome on Sunday is a “day of great spiritual joy” for the Filipino nation,  Malacañang said Saturday.

On Sunday, the Catholic world comes together as Pope Benedict XVI proclaims Calungsod, a missionary who was hacked to death in Guam, as a saint along with six others, said Abigail Valte, one of President Benigno Aquino III’s spokespersons. Six others are to be canonized along with Calungsod.

“This is a day of great spiritual joy and national pride not only for Filipino Catholics but for all those who call the Philippines their home, especially our countrymen in the Visayas and Mindanao,” Valte added over government-run dzRB.

A delegation of Philippine officials led by Vice President Jejomar Binay and Energy Secretary Rene Almendras will join prelates of the Catholic Church, and multitudes of pilgrims at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican to witness the canonization of Calungsod, Valte said.

Binay will represent President Aquino, who is departing Sunday night for state visits to New Zealand and Australia.

Calungsod, beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2000, will become the second Filipino to be canonized after San Lorenzo Ruiz, who was killed in Japan in 1637 and made a saint in 1987.

“In 12 short years, the canonical requirements for his canonization have been fulfilled. We join the Catholic world on this day of solemn commemoration and celebration,” Valte said.

Calungsod qualified for sainthood last year after the Vatican officially recognized a “miracle” in which a woman in the Philippines, already declared dead from a heart attack, was revived after a doctor prayed to Calungsod for help.

He was part of the Society of Jesus’ evangelization mission in Islas de los Ladrones, later renamed Marianas, from 1668 to 1672. In the mission headed by Fr. Diego de Sanvitores, Calungsod served as cathechist, sacristan and all-around assistant, according to the Society of Jesus.

They were hacked to death in Guam while trying to convert natives to the Catholic faith.