Young Filipino Missionary

When today’s world needs brave hearts to deliver us from maleficence, is there anyone willing to take the risks?

The youth of today are greatly challenged by the different struggles and controversies that haunt our world at these times. Poverty, broken families, territorial dispute, political frenzy and economic flux are just of the many things that need to be addressed and are just some of the several issues that triggered holistic youth development. Albeit Church’s effort to suppress violence and disparity among young people and instead, encourage goodwill and unity; still there’s a need for the youth to rekindle the fire of love, compassion and missionary service especially at these very trying moments.

A remarkable young man has lived for almost nothing of the world’s pleasures but a life worthwhile for God and Mary. As former pope approved the decree of super martyrio concerning his martyrdom, Saint John Paul II declared, “From his childhood, he declared himself unwaveringly for Christ and responded generously to his call. Young people today can draw encouragement and strength from his example, whose love of Jesus inspired him to devote his teenage years to teaching the faith as a lay catechist. Leaving his family and friends behind, he willingly accepted the challenge put to him by Fr, Diego Luis de San Vitores to join him on the Mission to the Chamorros. In a spirit of faith, marked by strong Eucharistic and Marian devotion, He undertook the demanding work asked of him and bravely faced the many obstacles and difficulties he met. In the face of imminent danger, he would not forsake Fr. Diego, but as a “good soldier of Christ”,preferred to die at the missionary’s side.” He meant San Pedro Calungsod, one of the church’s young martyrs and most promising Filipino youth of his generation.

Saint Pedro could have stayed at home, but he chose to join the missionaries. He could have run away, but he chose to defend Fr. Diego and their belief. Because he truly valued his Christian faith, he was not afraid to die. Young as he is, Saint Pedro valiantly took the risk and dared to make a difference. As we are all called for this mission, may his life and sacrifice be our inspiration.

Today, we honor him, St. Pedro Calungsod a young Filipino catechist, martyr and missionary who is worthy to be emulated.