Pedro Calungsod
Pedro Calungsod (* around 1654 in the Visayas, probably in Cebu, Philippines ; † April 2, 1672 in Guam , now the United States) was a Filipino lay catechist and martyr of the Catholic Church.
Pedro, little known about his life prior to his missionary work, was educated in a Jesuit school. From 1668 Pedro accompanied Jesuits as a catechist on a trip financed by the Spanish regent Maria Anna of Austria to evangelize the Mariana Islands . In 1672, he and his companion were killed by a Chamorro chief on the island of Guam because his daughter was baptized against his will. Allegedly Pedro had the chance to escape, but he wanted to stay with his companion instead. After the murder, his battered body was thrown into the sea.
Pope John Paul II beatified him on March 5, 2000. Pope Benedict XVI canonized him on October 21, 2012.
Web links
- Pedro Calungsod website accessed July 31, 2012
Individual evidence
| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Calungsod, Pedro |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | Filipino lay catechist, martyr and saint of the Catholic Church |
| DATE OF BIRTH | around 1654 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Philippines |
| DATE OF DEATH | April 2, 1672 |
| Place of death | Guam |