God’s loving surprises

 I am still in awe of how God surprised us all when His beloved servant Pope Francis, Vicar of Christ, visited the Philippines on Jan. 15 to 19. He extended the happiest Filipino season of all through five unforgettable days, filling millions of hearts with an abundance of priceless gifts. His healing presence brought us amazing grace and comfort. Pope Francis truly connected with the people. He hugged them. He kissed them. He communed with them. He made them feel God’s love in such a personal way, leaving multitudes, rich and poor, with joyous gratitude everywhere he went.

Throughout his visit, the humble demeanor and sincerity of the Holy Father moved me. His language of love is so easy for all to understand and remember. After listening to him speak to the youth straight from his heart, my son Vincent said, “His words are simple, yet his messages are very effective.”

Due to health issues I was unable to join the euphoric crowds who enjoyed him. But I am grateful that I was able to receive his love through each Mass, blessing and homily he delivered through an extensive network coverage. His ever-present smile melted my heart. After Pope Francis departed, I tearfully tuned into all media interviews following our dear Cardinal Chito Tagle who shared such beautiful reflections of their eventful days together.

“It is most important for us to spend time relishing the memories of his visit as there is so much to reflect on, pray over and learn. This event is really an act of communion and solidarity. It’s a miracle in itself,” he said.

Father Aris Sison, rector of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Cubao said, “Now that Pope Francis has left us, the work begins. This is the time to live what we have been singing — let us tell the world of his love. After all the Pope wishes to remind us that it is not about him, we must all turn to our Lord.”

My Tito George and Tita Becky Precilla shared how the Pope touched their lives through their daughter’s timely encounter with him at the Mall of Asia Arena. Gladys Precilla-Lao took three-year-old Brandon,  who was bravely fighting for his life because of a hole in his heart. To her surprise, a Swiss Guard spotted little Brandon in Gladys’ arms with his oxygen tank in tow and immediately helped them onto the red carpet. Gladys and her husband John were nervous as they didn’t know how long they could stay on carrying only two tanks of oxygen with them to sustain their son. But again, God surprised them. A kind Samaritan in the crowd offered them an extra full tank. Then her wish came true. Pope Francis approached Gladys, who began to weep. He tenderly touched her face wiping her tears with his bare hands. “Do not cry. Do not be afraid,” he said.

Pope Francis blessed her and Brandon, then in a gentle caressing tone asked, “Where is the papa?” Like a shepherd loving his sheep, he felt their deep pain and anxiety. John put down his camera and received the Pope’s heartfelt blessing. This personal family encounter with the Holy Father brought divine consolation into the troubled, weary hearts of Gladys and John according to Tito George and Tita Becky. They are still amazed by the sensitivity of Pope Francis who knew exactly what this family desperately needed as he embraced them with God’s tender healing, mercy and compassion. Because of this experience, they said that no matter what happens, their hearts are now at peace with God. Brandon passed away peacefully last week. His parents are at peace.

My prayer mate Risa Nepomuceno was praying hard as she waited for Pope Francis inside the Palo Cathedral in Leyte. She describes her experience as surreal. Right when she thought he would no longer arrive, he surprised them by walking casually into the church where the clergy were gathered. The elderly sisters screamed in delight. Risa can never forget how Pope Francis fidgeted with his cross like a shy little boy trying to gather courage to say what he did not want to say. He apologized so sincerely that though he did not want to leave earlier, the pilots insisted and he had to obey. But he was so happy to be there with them right where he wanted to be. The joy was palpable! The church crowd was swept with overwhelming gratitude for his healing presence as they all gathered together for his prayerful blessing. Risa then remembered the thick pile of letters she had brought with her, tightly bound by a ribbon. She had collected all these from her friends, family, co-workers, helpers and janitors who were so excited for the Pope to receive them. With a smile from ear to ear, Risa was so thrilled as she handed them over to a tall Swiss Guard who graciously accepted them on behalf of the Pope. She was also able to have nine kilos of rosaries blessed. With this mission accomplished she excitedly whispered her “Thank you” to God!

My youngest sister Yvonne felt so blessed to be among those present at the very solemn Mass in Tacloban. Though they were soaked, drenched and frozen by icy rains and howling winds, nothing could take away the immense joy that she and all those present experienced. One image she will never forget is that of the plane coming down seemingly from the heavens and Pope Francis emerging from the door to be with the people he longed to see. What struck her heart deeply was the consoling presence of this holy man standing in the rain clad in the same thin yellow raincoat that the people were wearing — repeatedly saying,  “I am here.” Throughout the entire Mass she cried uncontrollably because she felt God’s overwhelming love, the love of a father who knows what his children need even before they ask.

“This trip, which I call a pilgrimage, is one of the biggest surprises I ever received. During Christmas Mass, I recall asking Jesus to teach me how to love. On Jan. 17, the Lord answered my prayer through a personal encounter with Pope Francis. I realized that a surprise is God’s way of revealing his love anonymously. I really prayed hard to see Pope Francis but I got more than what I prayed for. I not only experienced the most beautiful Mass, God also made me experience His love through those who survived typhoon Yolanda. We are all blessed by Pope Francis’ visit. Each of us were gifted with personal messages from our Lord because of that personal encounter with Him,” said Yvonne.

I leave you with a few gentle reminders to ponder on from Pope Francis:

1. Rest in the Lord.

2. For all our activity, and busyness, without prayer we will accomplish very little.

3. Husbands and wives, don’t ever lose the memory of when you were boyfriend and girlfriend.

4. God reveals himself through surprises. We must allow him to surprise us.

5. And don’t forget when the family prays together, it remains together.

Thank you for loving and visiting us, Pope Francis.

(Would love to hear from you at miladayjewels@yahoo.com.)