Viva el Papa!!!

THE JOY OF THE FILIPINOS

The two Popes I knew then who visited Philippines were Pope Paul VI in 1970 and Pope John Paul II, now St. John Pall II had his visit twice. I just forgot the exact date. Never did I have the chance to meet him in person, why? Fate did not favour me. The first time he visited the Philippines was in 1981 and then followed his second visit in 1995 for the World Youth Day held in Manila, Philippines. It was very historical then. But, nothing was historical if I met the Pope in person. They said, “LIBRE ANG MANGARAP”.

When the present Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church announced last November, 2014 his visit in the Philippines this January 15-19, 2015, I felt like I was again hitting my forehead with a slingshot. It’s like, OMG..hahha.. I could not make it again for the third time. Reasons? So many to mention. I believe not this time would I meet the Pope. Maybe someday, I would still have a chance to meet him. Every Filipino now is very excited I believe and so do I, even if I am hopeless to see and talk to him personally. My prayers and hopes for the success of the visit of Pope Francis in the only Christian country in the Southeast, the Philippines.

Prior to this said event, the Philippines has been devastated by the typhoon “Yolanda” which caused many casualties especially in Tacloban, Leyte, Philippines. The casualties were huge in Bohol province due 7.2 magnitude earthquake. Filipinos were in dire need of our assistance, medication, food, and shelter. Thanks be to God, many people extended their arms to help the victims of the said typhoon. The aftermath was enormous. Many lives were wasted. Many sources of living were sacrificed. Perhaps we Filipinos have already surrendered in this battle called Life if we do not engaged ourselves to prayer and trust in the Lord. For some, they become hopeless. But I believe then, most of them are still hopeful for the power of the Lord to liberate them from this calamity has become very evident to their own lives.

A question is raised by a certain fellow; do we have to suffer first for the Pope to remember us, Filipinos? “Mercy and Compassion” is the theme of this year’s Papal Visit. Pope Francis’ awareness of the tragic experience of the Filipinos in Tacloban, Leyte and Bohol province somehow brings into a realization that “Mercy and Compassion” of the Lord adheres in the heart of the Filipinos. It resides in the faith of each Filipino. 


It is proven already that Filipinos are always hopeful even if calamities would come along our journeys. The visit of Pope Francis is a living testimony that we, amidst difficulties and trials, are able to stand up and walk for faith; for the service of our brothers and sisters in the community. As it is declared by the Church that this year is the “Year of the Poor”, we are again reminded of our duties and responsibilities for others. When Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for there is the Kingdom of God”, reflects that each one of us is poor and our being poor brings hope for the Kingdom of God.

 Pope Francis, as we have heard and read from different sources, shows the example of being “poor”. He really wants to bring people to Jesus by simply being poor. Being the Cardinal then of Buenos Aires in Argentina, he preferred to live in a simple apartment nothing else but living a simple lifestyle, i.e. cooking food for himself, washing dishes, washing his own clothes, and the like. It is also reported that instead of taking luxurious cars in going to a meeting or to places of appointments, he preferred to take trains or buses as the case maybe. The Supreme Pontiff already showed to us that he is absolutely “poor”. He is always in the service of the poor.

Finally, this visit of the Supreme Pontiff would bring nothing to Filipinos but joy; a joy filled with love and hope, a joy that is down-to-earth, and a joy that is Christ-like. I may personally have no chance of meeting the Pope but I am with the Filipinos in expressing my warmest and sincerest thanks to Pope Francis for making our faith alive again. Part of the schedule of the Pope is his visit to the Pontifical University of Sto. Tomas wherein he will meet the religious leaders and the youth. The youth plays a very important role in the Church; her ministry and evangelization. This visit becomes part of the ‘history’ and it remains in the hearts and lives of every Filipino. 

“….All the delegates have agreed that we wanted this trip to be more than just a tour, but a pilgrimage, a spiritually enriching activity that will lead us closer to Christ in union with the Holy Father, “ said Jeremiah Vardeleon, USA Student Council president.

VIVA EL PAPA!!!