The Archdiocese of Cebu has started preparing for a nationwide celebration of the expected canonization of the second Filipino saint, Pedro Calungsod.

Retired Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, head of the committee preparing for the event, said yesterday that priests were assigned to work for the celebration during a meeting last week.

Pope Benedict XVI has not announced the date of the canonization but Cardinal Vidal said national and international guests will be invited to an elaborate event and this takes time to prepare.