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Vidal: Venerate, don’t idolize Calungsod

by UP Intern Peter L. Romanillos

A SENIOR prelate of Cebu called on the faithful Saturday to venerate Blessed  Pedro Calungsod, but should not resort to the practice of idolatry.

“Conviction like courage is contagious. His young age did not stop Blessed  Pedro  from being holy,” said Msgr. Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, archbishop Emeritus of Cebu, in his homily at the Blessed  Calungsod ’s feast day celebration in the  Calungsod  Shrine. 

“Say yes to becoming a saint and a faithful Catholic like Blessed  Pedro   Calungsod ,” Vidal declared. 

Vidal said Cebuanos knew little about  Calungsod , but “came together in 2001 as one family to venerate him.”

“Now, the world joins us in happiness as we celebrate this feast,” he said. 

Vidal reminded Christians, especially  Calungsod ’s pilgrims, to follow “sound doctrine and strict discipline” in practicing their devotion. 

The soon-to-be saint’s photographs and icons should not be used as objects of idolatry, the prelate said. 

The Cardinal referred to these objects as mere “visual aids.” 

“Tabang lang na ang mga imahen para pagpalig-on sa atong pagtuo (The images only help in strengthening our faith),” Vidal said. 

Vidal said Cebuanos should know about  Calungsod  and feel proud that the Christian martyr, catechist, acolyte and missionary’s roots can be traced from the Visayas region of the country. 

Roman Catholics practice veneration as a special act of reverence and respect to saints, angels or a dead person who is being beatified.

It is a type of honor distinct from the adoration that is exclusive to God alone.  Blessed  Pedro Calungsod  was beatified on March 5, 2001.

After 11 years, he will be the second Filipino saint after St. Lorenzo Ruiz when he is scheduled to be canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on October 21 this year.

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