CEBU, Philippines - In 1995, GMA 7 was the official network that documented the inspiring visit of Pope John Paul II to the Philippines.
He was a man of great charisma who drew reverence even from non-Catholics. His smile and benediction drew tears from the crowd who lined up the route of his Pope Mobile, never moving an inch despite the intense heat.
Now, the same group that documented the Pope’s visit will take the lead in bringing to the Filipino every detail about his beatification today, May 1 on GMA News TV.
Spearheading the network’s live coverage from the Vatican are GMA’s Vice-President for News Programs Jessica Soho and veteran news anchor Vicky Morales, while Arnold Clavio mans the studio in Manila.
GMA News TV will air the beatification ceremonies “Blessed: John Paul II” from 4 to 6:30 pm today, and will rerun the highlights from 10 to 11 pm.
Tonight, GMA News TV will air a documentary on the late pontiff’s life entitled “John Paul The Great: A Pope Who Made History”, from 8:45 to 10 pm. This documentary will take viewers through the extraordinary life of one of the 21st century’s greatest men. It shows how Karol Wotyla reshaped the papacy from 1978 when he took over the seat of St. Peter up to the day he died in 2005.
Pope John Paul II visited the Philippines twice: A record enjoyed only by a handful other countries.
“JP2, we love you,” yelled thousands of young (and not so young) Filipinos during the 1995 World Youth Day. Five million people took part in that event, proving that the love was mutual.
Pope John Paul’s beatification comes on the heels of the Vatican’s nod to a miracle attributed to him this January.
And as the beatification happens, Filipinos will again be part of the celebrations for the Holy Man who shared a special bond with all of us, via GMA News and Public Affairs.