By Alicia Santos
I wish to reflect on the lives of two, not so popular saints, in the Philippines yet their feasts remain in our calendar. They are St. Christopher Magallanes and St. Eugene de Mazenod. St. Christopher is a martyr while St. Eugene is a bishop and proclaimed the “patron saint of dysfunctional families”. I didn’t expect dysfunctional families have a patron saint. Maybe many of us should pray to St. Eugene.
St. Christopher Magallanes stands as a powerful witness to the strength of faith in the face of persecution. A Mexican priest during a time of intense anti-Catholic government oppression in the early 20th century, he remained steadfast in his vocation, ministering to his people despite the risks. His life challenges us to consider how we respond to adversity and whether we remain committed to truth and justice when it is unpopular or dangerous.
On the other hand, St. Eugene de Mazenod was a man transformed by God’s mercy and driven by a profound love for the poor and abandoned. Born into nobility during a time of political turmoil in France, he experienced both privilege and suffering. His personal encounter with Christ, especially during a Good Friday service, awakened in him a deep awareness of his own brokenness and the immense compassion of God. This encounter became the foundation of his mission and spirituality.
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