Though his origin remains a question for some, San Pedro Calungsod was welcomed by Ilonggos as their own “kasimanwa” or “kababayan.”

The pilgrim image of the second Filipino saint arrived on Friday at the Dumangas Port and was welcomed by the local government units, parishes and schools.

After a short ceremony in Dumangas, the team had a motorcade towards Iloilo City by passing the areas of San Isidro Labrador Parish in Zarraga town, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Ungka, Pavia and Benigno Aquino Avenue in Mandurriao district.

As the image of San Pedro Calungsod is travelled, Ilonggos waved their yellow and white flaglets.

San Pedro Calungsod was brought to St. Anne Parish in Molo district, where more than 1,000 Ilonggos present during the veneration mass.

“This is not just a welcome, it is a homecoming for our very own saint,” said Father Esperidion “Boy” Celis of the St. Anne Parish.

Celis said the presence of the Calungsod clan in their district is a testament that the second Filipino saint is a native of Iloilo.

As confusion continues on the exact place of origin of the saint, Celis said that “every Filipino should still celebrate his life as a Filipino.”

Other historical researches show that the saint may have roots from Ginatilan in Cebu, Loboc in Bohol, Hinunangan in Southern Leyte and in Molo.

After the short mass in Molo Church, the motorcade continued and passed the major areas in the city, including Gen. Luna St., the University of the Philippines Visayas, the University of San Agustin, the St. Paul’s University, the Iloilo City Hall, Muelle Loney St., the Provincial Capitol and the St. Clement’s Church.

The image was again venerated in the Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Chapel in the West Visayas State University Medical Center.

Around 5 p.m., Calungsod’s image was brought to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Candles where Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo led the Mass.

One of the Ilonggos who waited for the saint’s arrival was Raul Provido, a vendor at Jaro Cathedral.

Raul said he is grateful for the opportunity to have a glimpse of the image of the second Filipino saint.

For Raul, San Pedro Calungsod’s canonization should already be considered a miracle.

A Catholic, Raul also wished for a miracle, but not for himself but for his children.

A father of three, he said he wants all his children to finish their education and for his family to be in good health always.

The image of San Pedro Calungsod was opened for public viewing evening of November 23 until 4 a.m. of the next day.

After the closing liturgy at the Jaro Cathedral on Saturday, the saint’s image was carried back to Dumangas Port for its next destination.*