Truly the People’s Pope

Being a retired public servant, I decided not use my connections to get a pass for any of the events of Pope Francis.

I decided to join the masa. So, with my children and grandchildren, we decided to join the crowd in Quirino Avenue near the corner of Taft Avenue.

Arriving thereat at 2 p.m., we saw the street filled with people three lines deep. When the Pope’s convoy passed at 7 p.m., it was already ten lines deep.

Not wanting to be pushed or jostled, I decided to stay at the back, guessing that with the height of the popemobile and the Pope’s tall height, I would still see him clearly as he passed by.

I was correct. I saw him only for three seconds as his convoy was running at 30 kilometers per hour. In view of the darkness, I understood that security considerations required the Pope to arrive as soon as possible at the Apostolic Nunciature.

Just like everybody else, my 3-second glimpse at Pope Francis gave me a feeling of being blessed by the pope. I felt happy. I did not stick to my earlier decision just to watch on television, considering my age.

We were fortunate to find a parking slot at the sidewalk and got the extra bonus that 4 portalets were at the back of my car. For the 6-hour wait, I had to go to the comfort room three times.

The crowd was so excited – it made 3 false alarms shouting that the Pope’s convoy was coming.

I am impressed that 90 percent of the crowd around us were poor, ordinary citizens. I saw some of them crying when the Pope passed by.

The arrival of the Pope was very peaceful and orderly. I saw a flood of lighted cellphones. My grandson Max showed me 2 video shots from his camera as he was able to go up the hood of a Philippine Navy 6x6 truck.

Just like the thousands around me, I felt blessed seeing the Pope live and in person.

Lucky president

President Noynoy Aquino is truly a lucky guy. The visit of Pope Francis would be the highlight of his presidency.

People were watching if he would kiss the papal ring. He did and so did 12 Cabinet members, including Vice-President Jojo Binay, Executive Secretary Jojo Ochoa, Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario, Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras, Education Secretary Armin Luistro, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, DOTC Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, Budget Secretary Butch Abad and NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan.

I wonder how the 13 other Cabinet members felt on the President’s choice of 12 Cabinet members to meet the Pope – this is a clear indication of who are the Cabinet members close to him.

Pope's message in Malacañang

“My visit is pastoral as we prepare for the Fifth Centennial of the Christianization of the Philippines.

“My visit indicates my closeness to victims of Typhoon Yolanda.” He cited the example of solidarity in rebuilding the country.

Political leaders should be outstanding for their services for the common good, for the poor.

This year be set as the year of the poor. The poor is at the heart of the gospel.

The family and young people need our support.

We should respect the dignity of every person.

Let us transmit to our young spiritual values and vision.

Philippines plays an outstanding leadership role among the countries of Asia. Let us provide integral human development to the poor.

I pray for peace in the South of the country.

I take note of the diaspora and their contribution to the country.

The Pope at the Cathedral

“If you love me, tend to the needs of my sheep. Bring my affection to all the sick and elderly. Carry on work for love.

“Bring the Gospel of Asia as the dawn of new age. We are all ambassadors of Christ. The Gospel can bring holiness to all. Invite everyone to a personal encounter with Christ. Gospel calls every individual to live lives of honesty.

“As ambassador, we should be the first to welcome the words of Christ. We should have a daily encounter with the Lord. Live a life of poverty.

“To young priests, show the joy of your love for Christ with the people. Combat inequality. Bring hope to our brothers and sisters

“Christ died for us all.”

Tidbits

Tens of thousands lined the Pope’s route from Malacañang to the Manila Cathedral. A hundred thousand waited outside the centuries-old cathedral and attended the mass.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila and Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president and Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas led 200 bishops and priests that concelebrated the mass.

Malacañang allowed its employees and their families to witness the welcome ceremonies at the Palace.

Pope Francis shook hands with elderly priests and nuns at the first row of the Cathedral.

Fr. Aris Sison, rector of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral of Cubao, said the Pope’s mass has left him renewed.