April 2
Peter Calungsod (c. 1654–1672)
Martyr Catechist
A young Filipino catechist, Pedro Calungsod accompanied the Jesuits from the Visayas to the Mariana Islands.
Biography
Under conditions of difficult travel, typhoons, and shortages, he helped teach the faith, prepare the sacraments, and serve Chamorro communities. A slander campaign provoked hostility against the mission. When Father Diego Luis de San Vitores was attacked, Pedro was able to flee, but decided to stay with the unarmed missionary. Both were killed in Guam. His brief life shows the apostolic maturity that a trained and generous young man can achieve.
Practical advice
Entrust a young person with true responsibility today and accompany him without doing in his place what he can already assume.
Example of
FortitudeFaithfulnessSacrifice