Faith, heritage and community spirit came together in a vibrant celebration at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Silver Spring, Maryland, on April 5, 2025. The Filipino Catholic community in metropolitan Washington, D.C., honored the feast day of St. Pedro Calungsod, the teenage Filipino martyr who serves as a powerful symbol of youthful faith and devotion.
The DC Filipino Catholic community organized the event with Father Ryan Pineda, the pastor of St. Philip the Apostle Parish in Camp Springs, serving as chaplain and Lito Constantino as chairman. This gathering was held in collaboration with The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington’s Office of Cultural Diversity and Outreach. The event highlighted the unity and dedication of the Filipino faithful in the region.
The celebration began with a solemn procession and the recitation of the rosary, bringing the attendees together in reflection and prayer. Members of the Knights of Columbus carried the statue of St. Pedro Calungsod with great reverence while participants sang hymns and recited prayers in both English and Filipino. The spiritual highlight of the day was a special Mass celebrated by Bishop Evelio Menjivar, marking his third time presiding over the feast of St. Pedro Calungsod since becoming an auxiliary bishop of Washington. This Mass was attended by several priests, deacons, and devoted parishioners from across the DMV area, including the president of the Asia Pacific Catholic Network, Fred Semendy.
At the start of the Mass, Msgr. Eddie Tolentino, the pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, warmly welcomed the congregation. He expressed joy at seeing the community come together to honor St. Pedro Calungsod, emphasizing the importance of faith and unity.
In his homily, Bishop Menjivar reflected on the legacy of St. Pedro Calungsod in the Catholic Church. He emphasized how St. Pedro’s unwavering faith, and sacrifice are as exemplary virtues that are particularly inspiring for the youth, who are driven by the noble aspiration to create a better world. “St. Pedro Calungsod is an example for all, because despite his youth, he fulfilled the mission of spreading the Gospel with courage and his total dedication to the Lord Jesus Christ,” he added.
Bishop Menjivar highlighted the vital role of unity within the Filipino community who, like St. Pedro, carry their faith, hope, and the joy of the Gospel to new lands.
St. Pedro Calungsod, a teenage catechist from the Visayas region of the Philippines, was martyred in 1672 in Guam at the age of 17. He served as a missionary catechist in the Mariana Islands, traveling far from home to spread the Catholic faith alongside Spanish Jesuit missionaries. He was killed for defending his mission and beliefs. Canonized in 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI, he is recognized as the second Filipino saint and serves as a powerful inspiration to the global Filipino community.
Following the Mass, a fellowship gathering and agape showcased a festive Filipino feast highlighting the community’s hospitality and culture. A cultural presentation of folk dances celebrated the richness of Filipino heritage.
The program featured the national anthems of the United States and the Philippines, symbolizing unity among Filipino Americans. A young performer captivated the audience with saxophone solos, while senior citizens showcased dance performances, reminding everyone present that cultural pride transcends age.
“This day is not only a celebration of St. Pedro Calungsod’s life but also of our shared faith and culture,” said Tony Calaro, president of the Filipino community in St. Michael the Archangel Parish. “It’s inspiring to see community members lead with their talents, just as St. Pedro did with his faith.”
Beyond honoring a beloved saint through tradition and celebration, the story of St. Pedro Calungsod resonates profoundly with the lived experiences of many Filipino migrant families in the United States today. Like St. Pedro, they leave their homeland – often at significant personal cost – to serve, provide for their families, and live their faith in unfamiliar environments. Whether they work as healthcare professionals, caregivers, service workers, or in other professions, many bear the quiet burden of sacrifice: separation from loved ones, cultural dislocation, and the ongoing struggle to maintain their identity while adapting to a new world.
In these struggles, St. Pedro’s example provides strength and meaning. As a young migrant, he also left the safety of his home and faced hardship in a foreign land. Despite these challenges, he remained steadfast in faith, humble in service, and courageous in love. He serves as a model for everyone who seeks to live with purpose, even in the face of adversity.
Around the world, the day was also a celebration of the many modern-day missionaries among the Filipino diaspora. Millions of Filipinos continue to embody the spirit of these contemporary missionaries – not always through preaching, but through acts of compassion, diligence, and faithfulness in their daily lives. In hospitals, schools, homes, and churches, they bear witness to the values of their faith, just as St. Pedro once did.
As the celebration concluded, the words of Pope Benedict XVI during St. Pedro’s canonization echoed with renewed meaning:
“With his faith, love, and courage, Pedro bore witness to the Gospel, even to the point of offering his life. May the example and intercession of St. Pedro Calungsod inspire the dear people of the Philippines to announce the Kingdom of God with courage and faithfulness.”
In the heart of Silver Spring, Maryland - and in communities around the world – this quiet mission continues, fueled by faith, community, and the enduring legacy of the young saint who dedicated everything to serving others.
(Rosemarie A. Ong is a member of the Spirituality Committee of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington. She holds a doctorate in education from George Washington University’s Executive Leadership Program and a master’s in human resources management from The Catholic University of America.)
