The Archdiocese of Cebu in the central Philippines will launch this month a blood donation campaign as part of activities for the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Christianity in the country.
Archbishop Jose Palma of Cebu said the activity aims to inspire everyone to help spread the faith like what Filipino saints Lorenzo Ruiz and Pedro Calungsod did.
The prelate said the “feasting color” of San Pedro Calungsod and San Lorenzo Ruiz is red because they are martyrs.
“They shed their blood and therefore the spread of faith,” said Archbishop Palma.
“Donating blood is more meaningful than our own fear,” said the prelate, adding that he understands that people are afraid to donate blood especially during the pandemic.
The project aims to involve young people and to gather at least 500 blood bags.
Health authorities in Cebu noted a decrease in the blood supply in blood banks in recent months.
Dr. Stanley Cameniro, chairman of the board of the Philippine Red Cross in Cebu, said that because they have fallen too short of blood supply, they can accumulate up to 10,000 blood bags.
“I hope this will deepen our sense of gratitude because millions have died all over the world,” said the doctor.
“Now that we are left alive, maybe giving blood is the first step to showing our gratitude and to the extension of our life,” he added.
The blood drive will start on Oct. 23, 2020, the anniversary of the beatification San Pedro Calungsod.
