Boholano devotees will have their share of paying homage to a newly-minted saint whom the Visayans have claimed as their own starting today. Canonized in Rome two weeks ago by Pope Benedict XVI, St. Pedro Calungsud, will be in a two-day pilgrimage to this deeply religious province. Described as a Visayan martyr before being canonized as saint, his image will arrive at 10:00 AM today at the CPG Sports Complex aboard a helicopter. The chopper brought his icon from San Carlos City in Negros Occidental. The new saint’s Bohol visit is made more significant as the whole Christendom also celebrates today the feast of Christ the King. Today is the final Sunday of the Church’s Liturgical Calendar (Year B). For two days starting today, the diocese of Tagbilaran will host the new saint’s visit.

The following is the two-day schedule of activities: (November 25) Usual Sunday masses at the St. Joseph Cathedral-- 10:30 AM –Reception of the image from CPG Complex and motorcade to cathedral (to be followed by a mass); 12:30 PM-2:00 PM--Veneration of the Image by priests, religious, catechists, and youths; 3:00 PM—Holy Hour at the Lourdes Church (K of C); 4:00 PM—Solemn High Mass at the Lourdes Church (K of C); 5:00 PM—Solemn Procession from Lourdes Church to the Cathedral; 8:00 PM-Solemn Mass at the Cathedral in honor of San Pedro Calungsod; 9:30 PM-12:00 Midnight—Veneration of the Image (Vicariates of Our Lady of Light San Vincent Ferrer, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Lay Organizations); (November 26) 12:00 Midnight-3:00 AM—Low Mass and Veneration of the Image (Vicariate of St. Joseph, Renewal Movements); 3:00-6:00 AM—Low Mass and Veneration of the Image (Vicariates of Immaculate Heart of Mary, Dawn Rosary Groups, Marian Movements); 6:00 AM –Pontifical High Mass at the Cathedral. At 7:30 AM on Monday, the image will leave for Jagna with whistle stops on the churches along the way. From this town, the icon will proceed to Talibon. From here, it will leave for Cebu via Getafe port. A big thanksgiving mass is scheduled on November 30 at the South Road Properties in Talisay City where a huge shrine of San Pedro Calungsud was erected in time for the religious event.