Calungsod's canonization celebrated in Guam where he was killed

More than three centuries after Saint Pedro Calungsod was killed in Guam, his canonization was celebrated there by the island's large Filipino community.   A Mass was held in honor of the new saint at the Shrine of Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores, according to a news release from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).   The 17-year-old Pedro Calungsod died in Guam while doing missionary work.   Led by Bayani V. Mangibin, Philippine Consulate General in Agana, a procession and novena before the Mass were held and attended by hundreds of people.   Mangibin also read President Benigno Aquino III’s Proclamation No. 481 declaring October 21 as a National Day of Celebration in memory of the second Filipino saint’s canonization.   Meanwhile, in a text message sent to GMA News Online, DFA spokesperson Raul Hernandez lauded Calungsod’s courage.   “The canonization of Pedro Calungsod is a testament to the strong sense of heroism and deep faith of Filipinos. His story will inspire many to live a life which will bring honor to our nation and glory to our God,” he said.   There are 18,175 Filipinos in Guam based on the data on the 2010 stock estimate of Overseas Filipinos from the Commission on Filipinos Overseas.   Saint Pedro Calungsod was 17 years old when he went to Guam with Padre Diego Luís de San Vitores, the mission superior there, to evangelize the native Chamorros. — Andrei Medina/KBK/HS, GMA News