San Pedro Calungsod - 2nd Filipino Saint

Sacristan.. Missionary.. Catechist.. and Martyr...

While in Guam, Calungsod preached Christianity to the Chamorro people through catechism, while baptizing infants, children and adults at the risk and expense of being persecuted and eventually murdered.

Born: July 21, 1654 (Ginatilan, Cebu)
Died: April 2, 1672 at the age of 17 (Tumon, Guam)

Honored in Roman Catholic Church.

Beatified by Blessed Pope John Paul II, March 5, 2000 in St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City

Canonized by Pope Benedict XVI, October 21, 2012 in St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City

Major Shrine: Archdiocesan Shrine of Saint Pedro Calungsod, Archbishop's Residence Compound, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines

Feast: April 2

Attributes: Martyr's palm, spear, bolo, Catechism Book, Rosary, Christogram, Crucifix

Patronage: Filipino youth, Catechumens, altar boys, the Philippines, Overseas Filipino Workers, Guam, Cebuanos, Visayans, Archdiocese of Cebu, Philippines

After Saint Lorenzo Ruiz, Calungsod will be the second Filipino declared a saint by the Roman Catholic Church.

Pls click this link if you want to know more about Saint Pedro Calungsod.

Baclayon Church - Bohol Philippines

One of my treks in life is visiting some old churches. Aside from the Sto. Nino Church in Cebu, I was really amazed with this one. Its like I traveled way back in 15th century. This is Baclayon Church. It is one of the preserved church by the Jesuits.

The entrance is very historic. The walls are blocks made of coral stones. Very good foundation because it stands for centuries!

Inside the church is very solemn. There is an emblem of the Jesuits, "Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam" (For the Greater Glory of God). I remembered this because I graduated from a school run by Jesuits, Ateneo de Davao University. When I entered the church, I do have goose bumps! Very nice experience to enter in the second oldest church here in Philippines.

According to the elders, this door is the entrance to the horse stables, kitchen and even jail. Because according to them, inside the church, there is a dungeon. It was used to punish natives who violated the rule of the Roman Catholic Church.

Another mysterious in this church is an image of Fr. Pio of Pietrelcina on one of the pillars of the church. He became famous for his stigmata. Stigmata is the Christ like wounds that bore in palm of ones hands. He is believed to have healing powers. He was canonized by Pope John Paul II on June 16, 2002.

This is a memorable experience in Bohol. Hope to visit more old churches someday..

Dauis Church - Bohol, Philippines

It was my first time in Bohol! Two days full of memorable experiences.. March 16, 2012.. My first step in Bohol. hehe With my officemates, we decided to take a vacation. And here we are! Here are my photos in Dauis Church. I was really amazed in their architecture. As if I time traveled way back in centuries.

The ceiling of the church..

A wall painting of the Last Supper...

The spring water inside the church. Known for its miraculous healing power. Got one bottle for my family. It is not for sale. Just give money for a donation.

The outside of the church.