MANILA Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle celebrated the culminating Mass of National Laity Week, which focused on Saint Lorenzo Ruiz and on Beato Pedro Calungsod’s upcoming canonization, last September 28 at the Santissimo Rosario Parish.
“The canonization of these Filipino saints is not only a boost to the lay vocation, ministry, and vocation. It is probably God’s way of telling you, lay people in the Philippines, that you are the bearers of holiness and sanctity,” Tagle said.
In his homily, he also emphasized on martyrdom of lay persons and their willingness to offer their lives as response to God’s calling.
“Martyrdom is not just being a martyr but [it is about] proclaiming the faith. When you are suffering and yet you continue to pursue love and faith in God, it is the sign of martyrdom. It is not easy because it comes with grace and has to be a gift to you from God.”
He also stressed on the grace the country received with the canonization of two lay saints and martyrs: Saint Lorenzo Ruiz and Beato Pedro Calungsod, whose canonization is set on October 21.
Beato Pedro Calungsod’s life as a young lay missionary is a “proof that Filipinos can forget about themselves and their comfort,” Tagle said in an interview after the Mass.
After the mass, a musical entitled “Teen Saint Pedro the Musical: Scenes from a Martyrdom” took place in the College of Education Auditorium at the Albertus Magnus building.
The musicale narrated the life of young Pedro’s “obedience, bravery, and faithfulness to God” still as part of the laity week, with the theme “Araw ng Katolikong Laiko kay San Lorenzo at Beato Pedro.”
Actor Makisig Morales played the role of the teenage Pedro as a young catechist; a faithful assistant who followed Spanish priest Padre Diego de San Vitores on his teaching on the islands of Marianas.
The musical was once again staged at Meralco Theater yesterday and will have another screeing today, October 17.
By Romhelyn M. Benipayo
