SAINT PEDRO CALUNGSOD (1654-1672) was Canonized a Saint of The Church by Pope Benedict XVI on October 21, 2012 to memorialize his Martyrdom (In Odium Fedei) dying at the hands of those who "hated the Church". Chosen to accompany Jesuit priests from Spain to evangelize Guam and the Philippines, young Pedro was a missionary for the cause of the Church in baptizing converts. Those opposed- spread rumors that baptism would lead to the death of Philippine children. When a few children died from illness, a mob sought out the Missionaries believing this had happened. At the young age of 17, Saint Pedro was struck down by a spear thrown by one of the mob. The chief of the village (Mata'pang) removed Pedro's Crucifix and hammered it into his chest using a rock, while blaspheming God. Large stones were then tied to his feet and his body was thrown into Tumon Bay (Guam). Saint Pedro is held as the Patron Saint of the Philippines, Guam and Altar Boys. We revere him as part of The Old Catholic Church International outreach to the Philippines. His life is celebrated on April 2nd, the day of his Martyrdom. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of Christ; rest in peace. Amen.