The President of the Republic of the Philippines Benigno Simeon Aquino III have already declared and signed the Proclamation No. 481, declaring October 21, 2012 as a National Holiday.
The Presidential Proclamation No. 481 was declared as a national day of celebration on the canonization of Blessed Pedro Calungsod.
The specified date of national celebration will honor the second Filipino Saint to honor his life and martyrdom. The President of the Philippines stated that Calungsod’s canonization on October 21 in Rome, Italy “shall instill national pride in the hears of Filipinos worldwide.
According the proclamation released which stated that “The said event shall encourage Filipinos, particularly the youth, to get involved in public and civic affairs,” the proclamation read.
It adds further that “The life and martyrdom of Blessed Calungsod shall serve as an inspiration to Filipinos, particularly the youth, to live a life anchored on values and principles,” the proclamation added.
According to the records of the Philippine Catholic Church, Blessed Pedro Calungsod was a teenage catechist from the Visayas who accompanied Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores in Tumhon Village in Guam, Marianas Islands, where they were killed in April 2, 1672.
The most popular leader of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope John Paul II beatified Blessed Pedro Calungsod last March 2000.
