The program for the day consisted of a morning gathering with a reflection on the family and vocation through the eyes of the saint and was followed with a Mass and reception.
“San Pedro Calungsod announced the Good News of Jesus in his martyrdom,” said Father Julius Bancifra during his homily. “We, too, are being invited to announce, proclaim, inspire and engage.”
St. Pedro Calungsod (1654-1672) served as a missionary with the Jesuit fathers in Guam. The Filipino missionary was accomplished in the arts and helped the Jesuit fathers by teaching catechism in Visayan, Spanish and Chamorro. He was martyred while trying to defend Father Diego Luis San Vitores. He was 17 years old.
St. John Paul II beatified Calungsod in 2000 and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI canonized him in 2012.
“He was a very active and alive person. He attracted people to him, asking what he had that they didn’t have,” Fr. Bancifra said. “Let us not be afraid to show what San Pedro Calungsod was willing to show, his faith so alive.”
For Merci Littaua, parishioner at Holy Innocents Parish, Victorville, the faithful can find inspiration in studying St. Pedro’s life. She hopes youth will follow the Filipino saint’s example.
“Life was difficult back then and look at what they were able to accomplish,” Littaua said. “He walked barefoot or with sandals. We have cars and the Internet. If they could do it then, we can do it now. There’s no excuse.”