𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐞𝐝𝐫𝐨 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐨𝐝 𝐝𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐧.

 

In the vibrant town of Bongabon, Nueva Ecija, known as the Onion Capital of the Philippines, where the aroma of freshly harvested onions fills the air and the Onion Festival is celebrated with grandeur, a sacred treasure has been bestowed upon its people. Meet San Pedro Calungsod de Bongabon, the revered religious image of the young Filipino catechist, Sacristan, Missionary and a Saint, crafted with devotion and precision by the skilled hands of Marlon Austria from Paete, Laguna in 2024. This majestic image, standing at 4.8ft tall, was brought to life using the finest Baticulin, Marang, and Mahogany wood, a testament to the artisan's skill and dedication.

This cherished image, privately owned by the Fernandez Family of Brgy Santor, where the historic Chapel of St. Catherine of Alexandria stands, has been graciously shared with the faithful. It is publicly venerated at St. Francis of Assisi Parish and St. Catherine of Alexandria Chapel, drawing pilgrims from far and wide to bask in the saint's spiritual presence.

As the devotion grew, a smaller replica of San Pedro Calungsod de Bongabon was comissioned by the original owner and donated to the Francia-Reyes Family of Brgy Sampalucan, Bongabon. This 3.5-ft replica, made entirely of Santol wood, was skillfully crafted by Fernand Galang Rañola from Bacolor, Pampanga. The replica's presence has allowed the spiritual presence of Saint Pedro Calungsod to flourish further, reaching more devotees and inspiring a deeper connection with the saint.

The same year, a Voluntary initiative religious group, Mga Kaibigan ni San Pedro Calungsod, was established to promote, propagate, and maintain the devotion to the Second Filipino Saint. Through their tireless efforts, the devotion has spread throughout the province, touching the hearts of many.

The group also Commissioned the San Pedro Calungsod de Jaen, a replica of San Pedro Calungsod de Bongabon, in the first quarter of 2025. This new image, standing at 5 feet tall, was a collaboration between Royce John Cordez of Paete, Laguna, who crafted the head and hands from Marang wood, and Felnie Ortega of Bacolor, Pampanga, who crafted the body from Santol wood. The image was donated to the Sebastian-Reyes Family, marking the first San Pedro Calungsod image in the town of Jaen, Nueva Ecija.

In a remarkable gesture of devotion, the Mga Kaibigan ni San Pedro Calungsod Group also introduced the Dulce Nombre de Maria de Jaen image, a 3.5-foot customized solid resin image crafted by Rolando Dela Cruz of Calumpit, Bulacan. This image, entrusted to the Sebastian-Reyes Family, honors the Dulce Nombre de Maria (Most Sweet Name of Mary), a devotion that originated in Spain in the 16th century and has strong historical roots in Guam, where San Pedro Calungsod himself had a deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The story of these revered images serves as a testament to the enduring power of faith and the significance of sacred art in nurturing spiritual growth. As the legacy of San Pedro Calungsod de Bongabon, San Pedro Calungsod de Jaen, and Dulce Nombre de Maria de Jaen continues to grow, it will undoubtedly inspire countless devotees to deepen their connection with the saint and their faith, amidst the vibrant culture and traditions of Bongabon, the Onion Capital of the Philippines.

Prepared by: MKnSPC