The first day of classes for this school year was doubly special for Pedro Pelaez Elementary School, Sta. Mesa, Manila.
Fr. Jason Laguerta, their parish priest, Manila Cathedral rector Fr. Reginald Malicdem and Manila Cathedral vice rector Fr. Kali Llamado celebrated the Holy Eucharist and led the unveiling of the statue of Fr. Pedro Pelaez. The statue is a gift from the Manila Cathedral.
Padre Pedro Pelaez Elementary School is the only school dedicated to this Holy priest.
Fr. Pelaez was born in Laguna in 1812 to Jose Pelaez, alcalde mayor of Laguna and Josefa Sebastian. Eventually, he was ordained and served at the Manila Cathedral. In local history, he is considered as an outstanding clergyman of the nineteenth century. He was a champion of the Filipino secular clergy. However, his noble activities including defending Filipinos against Spaniards was cut short by his sudden death during the 1863 earthquake.
Considered as the "Godfather of the Philippine Revolution," Fr. Pelaez also earned the title "Servant of God" as he is also a candidate for beatification.
photos by Eric Paul Guanlao and Patrick Dominick Romero