Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod-A Testament to Cebuano Faith

Cebuanos are innately religious since the Queen City of the South can be considered as the cradle of Catholicism in the country. This is evident in the numerous religious traditions that have been passed on from one generation to another. Cebu is also home to some of the oldest churches and chapels in the Philippines. But, one chapel has a special place in the heart of Cebuanos and Filipinos in general since it is dedicated to the second Filipino saint who, incidentally, is a Cebuano. The name of the chapel is the Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod.

Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon

Dedicated To San Pedro Calungsod

The chapel is dedicated to San Pedro Calungsod. He was martyred in Guam in 1672 for his missionary work and was beautified on March 5, 2000 by Blessed Pope John Paul II. On October 21, 2012 San Pedro Calungsod was beatified at Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City by Pope Benedict XVI. 

San Pedro Calungsod – image source: rafi.org.ph

The chapel is located on an elevated lot within the SM Seaside City Complex. It was the first structure built on the complex, which essentially reflects a practice during the time of the Spaniards when towns around the archipelago were built around a church. 

Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon

Design Of The Chapel

Carlos Arnaiz, an architect based in the US, designed the Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod. One distinctive feature of the chapel is its 100 walls, each with a different height. The walls are facing in one direction, which makes the structure appear solid in one side and have a transparent appearance when viewed from a different angle. The chapel is big enough to accommodate 803 people at the same time. It has an adoration chapel, a baptistry, prayer niches and the 14 Stations of the Cross. It also features a special room for children. 

Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod – image source: youtube.com

The chapel was designed to pay homage to the dynamic spirit of Cebu, which is gradually becoming the heart of the design culture of the Philippines. It plays host to an increasingly growing community of talented filmmakers, designers and businessmen. The chapel acts as a sanctuary of sand, stone and glass where the faithful can meditate and strengthen their resolve to meet the challenges of everyday life with help from the grace of God. 

Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma along with Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal celebrated the consecration Mass of the chapel when it was dedicated on November 29, 2012. Prior to the mass, a motorcade from the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral brought the pilgrim image of the first Visayan saint to the chapel. Msgr. Vicente Tupas was assigned to act as the rector of the chapel by the Archdiocese of Cebu.

Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon

Mass Schedules

Holy Masses are held at the Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod every day. The Holy Mass schedule is as follows: 

Sunday:                      07:30 AM - 08:30 AM
                                    09:00 AM - 10:00 AM
                                    11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
                                    06:00 PM - 07:00 PM
                                    07:30 PM - 08:30 PM

Monday:                     12:15 PM - 01:15 PM
                                    06:00 PM - 07:00 PM

Tuesday:                     12:15 PM - 01:15 PM
                                    06:00 PM - 07:00 PM

Wednesday:               12:15 PM - 01:15 PM
                                    06:00 PM - 07:00 PM

Thursday:                  12:15 PM - 01:15 PM
                                    06:00 PM - 07:00 PM

Friday:                        12:15 PM - 01:15 PM

Saturday:                   06:00 PM - 07:00 PM - Anticipated Mass

Getting To The Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod

You can reach the Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod by taking the My Bus from SM City Cebu to SM Seaside City. Once you reach SM Seaside City, you can pass through the Mountain Wing doorway and walk for around five minutes from the mall. It is not difficult to spot the chapel since it can be easily seen from the mall. If you are using your own vehicle, you can pass through the South Coastal Road and turn right into Chapel Avenue, which is located inside the SM Seaside City complex.

Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon

The Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod is a testament to the religiosity of the Cebuanos and their undying faith in God. Did you visit the Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod already? Tell us about it on the comments section below.