As early as Oct. 17, pilgrims will stream into Rome for the canonization of Pedro Calungsod on the 21st.
On the 17th, an art exhibit on the life of the Visayan martyr and the evangelizing presence of Filipinos all over the world will open at the Basilica di Santa Pudenziana at 4:30 p.m.
Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal, archbishop emeritus of Cebu, and Mercedes Tuason, ambassador of the Philippines to the Holy See, will cut the ceremonial ribbon.
Fifty bishops from the Philippines are expected the canonization and related events, including Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle, who will already be in Rome attending the Synod of Bishops to be convoked by Pope Benedict XVI; Bangued Bishop Leopoldo Jaucian, who will act as chaplain of the Chinese-Filipino delegation from Cebu; and Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma.
Triduum of Masses
On Oct. 18, feast of St. Luke the Evangelist, there will be a Mass at 4 p.m. at the Basilica di Sant’ Agostino at the Piazza di Sant’ Agostino, preceded by the Holy Rosary at 3:45 p.m. Theme of the Mass is “Knowing Our Catholic Faith,” and the celebrant is Archbishop John F. Du of Palo, Leyte; homilist is Bishop Precioso D. Cantillas of Maasin, Leyte. The Coro de San Jacinto of Tuguegarao, Cagayan, with Fr. Ranhilo Aquino as musical director, will provide the music.
On Oct. 19 at 4 p.m., there will be a Votive Mass of the Most Holy Name of Jesus at the Chiesa del Gesù in Via degli Astalli 16. Theme is “Living Our Catholic Faith.” Presider is Archbishop Angel N. Lagdameo of Jaro, Iloilo. Homilist is Bishop Patricio A. Buzon of Kabankalan, Negros Occidental. Choir is the Coro de San Jacinto of Tuguegarao.
On Oct. 20, 10:45 a.m., is the Votive Mass of the Holy Name of Mary at the Basilica di Maria Maggiore with the theme “Proclaiming Our Catholic Faith.” Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales, archbishop emeritus of Manila, is celebrant. Preacher is Archbishop Orlando B. Quevedo of Cotabato, Mindanao. Choir is the University of the Visayas Chorale.
A solemn vigil at 6:30 p.m. will take place at the Basilica di Santa Pudenziana in Via Urbana 160, Rome. Devotees will give their personal testimonies on the powerful intercession of Blessed Pedro Calungsod.
At 8:30 p.m. will be the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament to be presided by Archbishop Tagle. Mandaue Children and Youth Chorus will perform.
Canonization day
Calungsod will be formally declared saint by Pope Benedict on Oct. 21 at 10 a.m. on St. Peter’s Square.
Solemn vespers will take place at 6 p.m. for the new saint at the Basilica di Santa Pudenziana in Via Urbana 160, Rome.
Presider will be Cebu Archbishop Jose S. Palma. Choir will be the Mandaue Children and Youth Chorus. Theme: “Dying for the Catholic Faith.” A solemn procession will take place around Santa Pudenziana after vespers.
Thanksgiving Day is on Oct. 22 with a Votive Mass at Saint Peter’s Basilica at 8 a.m. Theme: “Our Vocation to Sanctity.” Cardinal Vidal will preside. Homilist is Archbishop Anthony S. Apuron of Agaña, Guam. Choir is the Mandaue Children and Youth Chorus.
Enthronement of San Lorenzo Ruiz
San Lorenzo Ruiz, patron of OFWs and Filipino migrants, was enthroned at the Church of St. Maria Goretti Parish Church of the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center last Sept. 25 at 6 p.m. The enthronement opened the Triduum of Masses in preparation for the saint’s feast on Sept. 28.
Donated by Rolando Ruiz Luna, project engineer at the Denver International Airport, through the San Lorenzo Ruiz Global Ministry, the 3-ft statue was a handsome figure. Fr. Joey Bustillo, parish priest, welcomed the saint.
On the feast day itself, Auxiliary Bishop of Manila Bernardino Cortez celebrated the Mass at 6 p.m., with the Ambassadors of Light singing during the Mass.
Those who wish to have novenas of San Lorenzo Ruiz can write me c/o the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Chino Roces Ave., Makati Ctiy. Please enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Novena Masses to St. Francis
Father Dennis Molabola e-mailed from Ormoc City saying their monastic community started the novena Masses in honor of St. Francis of Assisi last Sept. 24. The Novena will end Oct. 2.
On Oct. 3 before sundown, the Franciscan Hermits of Eucharistic Adoration, with other Franciscan communities nearby, will hold the “transitus,” that is, the commemoration of the passing of St. Francis from death to eternal life.
Fr. Dennis writes: “The prayer service during the transitus will be an opportune time for all of us Franciscans to contemplate the humble beginnings of the order and the rich spiritual legacy left to us by St. Francis.”
On the saint’s feast on Oct. 4, there will be the Holy Mass at 6:30 p.m. at Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Ormoc City. It will be followed by the traditional blessing of pets and other animals, since St. Francis is the patron of ecology.
The Franciscan community is right now building the hermitage and chapel. (To help, text Fr. Dennis at 0932-5184365.)
Help needed
Bonifacio Valdez Serrano Sison of San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte, and Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, is a single 70-year-old guy who is suffering from prostate cancer.
Too weak to work, Bonnie needs help to pay for an ultrasound and to buy medicines.
Bonnie is asking readers for help.
Please help by depositing your donation at Bonifacio Sison’s savings account with Philippine National Bank, account no. 520-614-100-018.
Oct. 2 is the feast of our holy Guardian Angels. Please offer a thanksgiving prayer for them.