Blessed Pedro Calungsod story... Church appeals to film makers: Work with us

CEBU, Philippines - The Archdiocese of Cebu appeals to movie producers who wish to film the life of Blessed Pedro Calungsod to coordinate with them to ensure the authenticity of the contents.

Rev. Father Trinidad Silva, director of the archdiocese’s Social Communication Commission for Tri-media, said the Church is concerned about the authenticity of the contents of the film.

Silva said they have already received feelers both from local and national groups intending to shoot a movie and even stage plays for the soon-to-be Cebuano saint.

The latest feeler came from Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos and Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia who agreed to co-produce a movie on the life of Blessed Calungsod.

“We’re happy that many people are coming to help us in spreading the devotion to Blessed Pedro Calungsod. We welcome any initiative, but we hope they’ll coordinate with us,” Silva said.

Silva said the Archdiocese of Cebu made a research about the life of Calungsod which they have presented to the Vatican City in Rome. The official book containing his story is in the custody of the Archdiocese.

“Let’s work together,” Silva said, as he encouraged more initiatives that will make the young Visayan martyr well-known not just in the country but in the world.

Silva said they are currently preparing for the canonization of Calungsod. Pope Benedict XVI has already approved the decree confirming Calungsod’s miracles that qualifies him to become saint. The Vatican however is yet to announce the schedule for his canonization.

The preparations include catechesis, to inform the general public of the life of Calungsod, to organize pilgrims who will attend the canonization rites in Rome and to invite national figures into the Thanksgiving Mass in Cebu City scheduled after the canonization. Silva was assigned to head the publicity committee.

Blessed Calungsod was a young man when he joined the missionaries to Guam where he was murdered in 1672 while doing missionary work. — (FREEMAN)