CEBU, Philippines - The National Thanksgiving mass for the canonization of Blessed Pedro Calungsod will be held at the South Road Properties (SRP) on November 30.
The Executive Council for the preparations for Calungsod’s canonization, led by His Emminence Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal approved the said date and venue in a meeting of all committee chairmen and members held at the Archbishop’s Residence yesterday.
Proposals were presented by the various committees to both Vidal and Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma who presided over the Plenary Meeting.
Aside from the presentation and approval of the proposed date and venue, also presented was the proposed list of participating tour operators who complied with the requirements. Those who qualify shall be issued certificates of participation.
Vidal wanted to make sure that “travel agencies will arrange the nearest possible location to Vatican for the pilgrims” citing previous instances when pilgrims are accommodated in areas that are quite far from the actual venue of the celebrations.
The council stressed that aside from submitting documents, catechesis is among the requirements that participating travel agencies should comply with.
The council also approved the suggestion of Msgr. Marnell Mejia to require the participation of all parishes in the Archdiocese of Cebu in the National Thanksgiving activities which include a fluvial and foot procession prior to the mass.
CBCP Assistant Secretary General Fr. Marvin Mejia also presented their proposed “Duaw Nasud” which will feature target cities all over the country prior to the National Thanksgiving. Palma lauded Mejia’s proposal and even moved for its approval.
“I’m very happy about the Duaw Nasud. It’s the best way to spread the information about Blessed Pedro Calungsod.”
Aside from the Duaw Nasud, Mejia also presented another movement targeting the youth which will be mobilized even before the canonization.
CCTN Channel 47 through its President, Nonito Limchua, also informed the council that they shall be covering the canonization live from Rome and the National Thanksgiving activities in Cebu.
DYRC Radyo Cebu also proposed to change the name of the station to Radyo Calungsod as well as to produce a CD album featuring original compositions of Cebuano songwriters and to be sung by famous Cebuano talents like Pilita Corrales, Manilyn Reynes, Jaya, Elizabeth Ramsey, Raki Vega and more.
They also proposed to help raise funds for the canonization through a fund-raising concert in Manila and another one in Cebu on June. — (FREEMAN)