FINALLY!

The DAY has come!!!

“The Day has come.”…………… Today marks the very first day of the 4-day visit of Pope Francis here in the Philippines. Around 5:45 this afternoon, the Supreme Pontiff would make his first step in the Philippines. With the theme, “Mercy and Compassion”, Pope Francis would bring the mercy and compassion of our Lord Jesus Christ in the lives of every Filipino. “Do not focus on me, rather focus on Jesus” said the Supreme Pontiff. These words imply nothing but Jesus. Jesus, as the source of mercy and compassion, truly emanates in each one of us. This emanation is perfected in today’s visit of the Supreme Pontiff. All of us are happy indeed on this big event in the history of our Church and of the Philippines. We are all excited and no one can deny it. 

Calling to mind on what happened in Matthew 9:36 when Jesus after, “seeing the people, felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd.” This visit of Pope Francis would answer the longing of each one of us, asking Jesus’ mercy and compassion for the shortcomings we have committed. Yes, constant struggles toward sin can become and epitome in striving our best to make a difference in the eyes of God; being able to show mercy and compassion to the least of our brothers and sisters in the society.

In his Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis proclaims that “the Church must be a place of mercy freely given, where everyone can feel welcomed, loved, forgiven and encouraged to live the good life of the Gospel” (Evangelii Gaudium, 114). His visit in the Philippines starting today until January 19, 2015, brings him the challenges to become like Christ, imitate on His virtues; mercy and compassion. The Filipino people are now very ready to welcome the Pope that even pagans want to meet and hear words from the Supreme Pontiff as it was reported yesterday in CBCPnews.ph.

Fr. Andy Sainyakit, a diocesan priest from the Diocese of Amboina in Makassar, Indonesia and currently living in the Philippines said in an interview, “The coming of papal visit is the biggest grace for the Philippines not because of the presence of the pope but because actually Christ is now visiting us through Him. It is Jesus we meet who gives us joy and hope, especially to the downtrodden.”

For 4 days, we will be covering live the activities of the Visit of Pope Francis in the Philippines. I hope the visit of Pope Francis will become a success. Let us all welcome the “The People’s Pope”.  

VIVA EL PAPA!!!


Here is a video clip; an interview with a Seminarian about his thoughts or insights, and feelings about the Apostolic Visit of Pope Francis............