Saints
St. Pedro Calungsod
5 Things You Should Know About Saint Pedro Calungsod
- Saint Pedro Calungsod was a teenage catechist who volunteered to join the Jesuit mission to the Marianas Islands in the 17th century.
- St. Pedro Calungsod was martyred along with Father Diego Luis de San Vitores by two pagan natives who opposed their baptismal ministry .
- He remained faithful to his mission and did not abandon Father San Vitores even when he had the chance to escape .
- He was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012, becoming the second Filipino saint after Saint Lorenzo Ruiz .
- He is the patron saint of Filipino youth, catechists, and overseas Filipino workers.
St. Pedro Calungsod Biography
St. Pedro Calungsod was a young Filipino catechist and martyr who lived in the 17th century. He was born in the island of Cebu, Philippines in 1655 and grew up in a Catholic community. He was trained in the Catholic faith and became a catechist, helping to teach the faith to others.
In 1668, Calungsod accompanied the Spanish Jesuit missionary Diego Luis de San Vitores to the Marianas Islands, where they sought to spread the Catholic faith among the native Chamorro people. Despite facing resistance and hostility from some members of the community, Calungsod and San Vitores were able to make many converts to Christianity.
In 1672, Calungsod and San Vitores were killed by a group of hostile Chamorros who were opposed to their missionary work. Calungsod was martyred at the age of seventeen, and his death was considered a sacrifice for the spread of the Catholic faith in the region.
Calungsod’s death was seen as a heroic act of faith and devotion, and he became a symbol of Catholic martyrdom in the Philippines. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2000 and canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012, making him the second Filipino saint after St. Lorenzo Ruiz.
Calungsod’s canonization has been a source of pride for Filipinos and his story is an important part of Philippine history and culture. He is considered as a patron of the youth and he is also remembered for his devotion to the Catholic faith and for his willingness to die for his beliefs.
St. Pedro Calungsod’s life is an inspiration to many Catholics around the world. He stands as a symbol of faith and courage in the face of persecution. His legacy lives on as a reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the power of faith.
His canonization as a Saint was made by Pope Benedict XVI on October 21, 2012. He’s the second Filipino Saint and the first Saint of the Visayan people.
St. Pedro Calungsod continues to be an inspiration to many people who look to him as a model of faith, courage, and devotion. His life and martyrdom stand as a testament to the power of the human spirit and the enduring strength of faith.
Early Life and Vocation:
Pedro Calungsod, born around 1654 in the Visayan region of the Philippines, emerged from humble beginnings. His upbringing remains shrouded in mystery, but historical research reveals that he received formal education at a Jesuit boarding school in Guam. There, he honed his catechetical skills and learned to communicate fluently in Spanish. As a catechist, Pedro discerned his calling to serve God by spreading the Gospel—a path that would lead him to remarkable missionary adventures alongside Fr. Diego Luis de San Vitores.
Missionary Adventures with Diego Luis de San Vitores:
In 1668, Pedro Calungsod embarked on a momentous journey to Guam alongside Father San Vitores and a group of Jesuit missionaries. Their mission was twofold: to evangelize the local Chamorro community and to nurture the faith of the youth in the Marianas Islands. These young men, like Calungsod, were chosen for their unwavering commitment to Christian life. Despite facing arduous conditions—walking barefoot over rugged terrain, helping build mission chapels, and rowing boats—their dedication remained unyielding.
On April 2, 1672, tragedy struck. Armed with faith but unarmed physically, Pedro Calungsod stood by Father San Vitores as they encountered enraged natives named Matapang and Hurao. Calungsod dodged lances thrown at him but refused to abandon his priest. A spear pierced his chest, mortally wounding him. Father San Vitores absolved him, faced his own imminent death, and both bodies were cast into the sea at Tomhom (now known as Tumon). Calungsod’s sacrifice endures as an inspiring example for our youth—a testament to unwavering faith and love for Christ
Spiritual Teachings and Catechesis:
Pedro Calungsod, a young Filipino catechist, exemplified unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel. His approach to catechism was marked by simplicity, clarity, and deep conviction. He taught the essentials of Christian doctrine—the Creed, sacraments, commandments, and prayer—with fervor and love. His method transcended mere words; it was an invitation to encounter Christ personally. Pedro’s teachings resonated with the hearts of those he catechized, drawing them into a vibrant faith.
Personal Virtues and Holiness:
Pedro’s character radiated virtues that continue to inspire believers today:
- Courage: He fearlessly faced persecution and martyrdom for the sake of Christ.
- Sacrifice: Pedro willingly left family and home to serve as a missionary in Guam.
- Loyalty: His unwavering loyalty to Fr. Diego Luis de San Vitores exemplified true friendship.
- Love: Pedro’s love for Jesus fueled his dedication to catechesis and evangelization.
- Humility: Despite his youth, he embraced his role as a catechist with humility.
Miracles or Intercessions Attributed to St. Pedro Calungsod:
Pedro’s intercession has been associated with remarkable events:
- In 2003, a woman from Leyte was clinically dead after a heart attack. An attending physician invoked Pedro’s intercession, and she was miraculously revived 1.
- Other instances of healing and protection have been attributed to his heavenly aid 2.
St. Pedro Calungsod’s life reminds us that sanctity knows no age or circumstance—it flourishes in hearts wholly surrendered to God.
Prayers to St. Pedro Calungsod
O St. Pedro Calungsod, martyr and servant of God, we ask for your intercession and guidance in our daily lives. Help us to follow in your footsteps and to be brave in the face of persecution, just as you were.
We ask for your strength and courage to be strong in our faith, to be faithful to the teachings of Christ, and to share the love of God with those around us.
We ask for your protection and guidance as we embark on our own mission to spread the word of God and to bring others to the light of salvation.
We ask for your blessings on our families and loved ones, and for your continued guidance and protection as we walk the path of righteousness.
O St. Pedro Calungsod, we pray for your intercession and for the strength and wisdom to follow in your example. Amen.
O St. Pedro Calungsod, who bravely spread the Good News and gave your life for the faith, we ask for your intercession and guidance as we strive to live our faith boldly and to share the love of Christ with others.
We ask for your help in growing in our love and devotion to God, and in our commitment to sharing the gospel with others.
Grant us the courage and strength to speak the truth, even in the face of persecution, just as you did.
May we always remain faithful to the teachings of Christ and may our lives be a reflection of your own selfless devotion to the Lord.
We ask for your blessings on our families and loved ones, and for your continued guidance and protection as we journey through this life.
O St. Pedro Calungsod, we pray for your intercession and for the grace to follow in your example. Amen.