P100M for Calungsod canonization junked

CEBU, Philippines - The group handling the preparations for the National Thanksgiving Mass after the Canonization of Blessed Pedro Calungsod has junked a proposal to stage a P100 million worth affair.

In a presentation before organizers yesterday, Architect Ramon Vios said the P100 million would cover the cost in building the orchestra stage, the stage for the enthronement of Calungsod during the mass, and the subsequent development of the site into a shrine.

But Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said the plan is too costly.

“I-simplify pa ang model. Ayaw kita paggasto ug ingon ani kadako just for template and stages. Nindot unta siya but costly. We can celebrate meaningfully and truthfully pero kung pwede, dili g’yud sobra ka-expensive,” the archbishop said.

Organizers have budgeted only P60 million for all the activities in line with Calungsod’s canonization, including the expenses for Cebu’s delegation to Rome.

Yesterday, Palma announced that the National Thanksgiving Mass will be held at the Mandaue Reclamation Area near the Cebu Doctor’s University instead of the earlier plan to hold it at the South Road Properties.

Palma cited the muddy condition of the SRP as the main reason for the transfer of venue. He said filling the soil at the SRP would cost millions.

“So magpili ta ug lugar na di kaayo dako ang gasto kay ang mga engineers muingon na lubok kaayo unya delikado kung mag-ulan,” he said.

Palma said the Mandaue City government is negotiating with the owner of the land.

Calungsod’s canonization is slated on October 21, 2012 while the National Thanksgiving Day Mass will follow on November 30.

Vidal, overall chairman of the activities, said all commissions and committees working for the big religious event are on schedule.

In a separate development, Palma resumed work starting last Monday following a surgery last Holy Week. Aside from Archbishop of Cebu, he is also president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

“I had my stone and bladder taken out of me pero okay na man ko kalooy sa Diyos. I go back to my regular schedule,” Palma said, adding, that his physician had advised him to cancel his out-of-town travels scheduled immediately after the Holy Week.

“But yesterday (Tuesday), back to normal… You put anything in front of me, I will eat them,” Palma said in jest.

Work have piled up during his absence but Palma said his fellow bishops have been considerate and helped attend to the work.

“The people are understanding man gud if I have to cancel even Ordination, the Golden Jubilee celebration… Nobody wants to get sick but if mahitabo, accept it na lang,” the 62-year-old prelate said. — N/JMO (FREEMAN)