Simple gift awaits pope

MANILA, Philippines – Pope Francis will receive a simple off-white chasuble made of piña cloth as a gift from the Mother Butler Guild (MBG) when he visits the country next month.

Henrietta de Villa, former Philippine ambassador to the Vatican and MBG national president, said they would present the gift to the pontiff during his pastoral visit from Jan. 15 to 19.

A chasuble is a loose sleeveless outer garment worn by a priest when celebrating mass or Holy Communion.

“We will give him a chasuble made of piña so that he would see our traditional material for barong tagalog,” De Villa said.

The MBG is preparing the vestments to be used by the bishops and priests during the masses to be officiated by the pope.

De Villa said they did not order new garments for the pontiff since he would be bringing his own vestments.

Pope Francis will celebrate masses at the Manila Cathedral and Quirino Grandstand on Jan. 16 and Jan. 18, respectively.

De Villa said 1,500 priests are expected to take part in the Eucharistic celebration at the Manila Cathedral. At least 2,500 priests would attend the Luneta mass.

“The vestments of the bishops would be plain because the pope does not want too many embellishments. He does not want too much extravagance,” she said.