FILIPINO MARTYR SAINT

THE TRUTH OF FAITH OF A FILIPINO MARTYR SAINT

            Pope Benedict XVI surprised the Filipino Catholic at his announcement of the canonization of Blessed Pedro Calungsod. The elevation of Blessed Pedro Calungsod to sainthood was held on October 21, 2012. He is honored as the patron Saint of all the Cathecists. Pedro Calungsod become a saint primarily because of his Martyrdom. According to the CCC n. 2473 “Martyrdom is the supreme witness given to the truth of faith: it means bearing witness even unto death. The martyr bears witness to Christ who died and rose, to whom he/she is united by charity. He/she bears witness to the truth of the faith and of Christian doctrine. He/she endures death through an act of fortitude.”

            Going back to the story of the life of Pedro Calungsod, we would know that he was killed in the town of Hagatna in the island of Guam a companion of Padre Diego doing a mission in that area. When they were attack with spears, what Pedro did was according to those who witness, was is one may narrate: “Pedro had all the chance to scape because he was very agile, but he did not want to leave Padre Diego alone” and both of them were martryed on April 2, 1672 which was the Saturday before Passion Sunday of that year.

            But most prominently before his martyrdom, Pedro Calungsod lived his life as a faithful Christian was exemplifying the virtues of Hope, Charity, Generous Service, Courage, Consistency, Purity, Trustworthyness, Piety, Faith with Love and Compassion to others. At early age Pedro voluntered to be a missionary and at his early age he already practiced these virtues in his life, virtues that exemplified by saints. Even if his life in this world is too short but then he practiced being a good Christian that makes his life bearing the truth of faith. However, while he experienced a terrible death, he died with a peaceful heart enabling him to endure death through an act of fortitude. Pedro Calungsod remained faithful in spite of the pain that was implicated to him at the very last moment of his life.

            This gift that was given to San Pedro Calungsod is a manifestation of God’s word and Christ teaching which says: “If a man wishes to come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and begin to follow in my footsteps. Whoever would save his life will loose it, but whoever would lose his life for my sake will find it.”(Mt 16, 24-25) This is evident in the life of Pedro Calungsod. Jesus continues “The Son of Man will come with his Father’s glory accompanied by his angels. When he does, he will repay each man acccording to his conduct.” (Mt 16, 27).

            The Filipinos are so very grateful about this goodnews. It is really a precious gift for the Filipinos that Pedro Calungsod was canonized as the 2^nd Filipino saint. Through San Pedro Calungsod we are reminded again of our Christian virtues. We are also reminded of the challenge to stand firm, living out our faith even in the face of persecution. In this year of faith he becomes our model in the faith we professed.

We may not able to become like San Pedro Calungsod in terms of the very same martyrdom but we are all called to be a good Christians, making the virtues of  faith, hope and love alive in our own little capacities a midst the struggles of everyday life.