The pilgrim image of Blessed Pedro Calungsod, the “Patron for Young People” arrived Saturday in the Diocese of Dumaguete City, where it will stay until July 24.

A caravan of the image was held by parishioners from the Tampi wharf to the St. Catherine of Alexandria Church in Dumaguete, where it was welcomed by Bishop John Du and other priests.

The image was blessed by the late Pope John Paul II during its beatification in Rome on March 5, 2000. The pilgrimage is the last step towards the canonization of a would-be saint.

Also present to meet the pilgrim image were Dumaguete Mayor Agustin Perdices, Vice Mayor Woodrow Maquiling and Provincial Board Member Mariant Escaño-Villegas.

Perdices said he is excited that soon there will be a saint from Visayas in the Philippines. He added the works of Blessed Calungsod should be known, not just in the Visayas, but also in the whole world.

After the welcome ceremony a Holy Mass in honor of the life and works of Blessed Calungsod was held with Bishop Du as the main celebrant.

The image will visit the parishes from the municipalities of Jimalalud to Basay in Negros Oriental and Siquijor province.

Blessed Calungsod was in missionary works in Guam with a Jesuit Priest who also died defending their Christian faith.*MA

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