LEGAZPI CITY: As the Bicol region, especially the province of Albay, always bear the brunt of natural calamities, Bishop Joel Baylon sought the intercession and protection of the visiting pilgrim image of Saint Pedro Calungsod to safeguard the region from disasters.

The months of November to December are the most critical in Bicol particularly in Albay as often-strong typhoons usually hit the province.

“We [Albayanos] are always facing risks from natural calamities. His image may bring us more faith and protection,” the prelate said in his homily.

The same prayer was aired by Gov. Joey Salceda of Albay in his welcome remark before the holy mass commenced at St. Gregory the Great Cathedral.

“Today, as we celebrate the year of faith, his visit [Saint Pedro Calungsod] will give us more faith protection in the midst of calamity,” Salceda said.

Saint Pedro Calungsod is the second Filipino declared as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church after Saint Lorenzo Ruiz. Calungsod was canonized on October 21, 2012, and will be known as San Pedro de Cebu.

The pilgrim image of Saint Pedro Calungsod departed from Legazpi City today flown by the Philippine Air Force Sokol chopper to Samar for a Visayan sortie before heading to Mindanao region.