Pilgrims discouraged to attend Papal Mass

ORMOC CITY, Philippines – Economic difficulties, damaged bridges, distance, discomfort and hardships brought about by natural calamities may not stop the resolve of Catholics from the western part of Leyte to welcome Pope Francis in his scheduled visit to Leyte.

The police and its rigid security measures however did, as a considerable number of would-be pilgrims had withdrawn their intention to participate in the Papal Mass at the Tacloban Airport.

While the pilgrims have already been listed in their Basic Ecclesiastical Communities and approved by their respective parishes concern, they were forced to back out from the chance to join the Mass.

They said they were required to submit photos, identification cards and fill up detailed and comprehensive information, going back to paternal and maternal family history. They were further interviewed and subjected to background investigation.

The Ormoc Vicariate—comprising of 13 parishes in the city and the towns of Kananga, Merida and Albuera—has been required to send at least 9,100 pilgrims or 700 persons per parish.

However, as of press time, the Lady of Lourdes Parish in Valencia has only 298 registered pilgrims, the Immaculate Conception has 179 and the Our Lady of the Redeemer has 350.

The low turn-out of these three parishes located in Ormoc City prompted The Freeman to investigate the reasons for such. It then led to the stern security measures imposed by the police.

“Naglisud ug suwat ang kadaghanan sa among mga miyembro mao nga di na lang sila modayon,” said Andresa Calag, a BEC leader.

Her sentiment was also shared by another BEC chairman Erlindo Cotacte. “Tingali simbako naa mahitabo, kita unya mapasanginlan. Naa ra ba ako nabasa sa balita nga bisan dili mao gidakop,” another pilgrim said without revealing his name during a random interview.

A passport holder who presented it for identification found it hard to believe that the police still required him of another document. “Over-acting ra kaayo,” said the man who requested anonymity.

Father Ramon Fian shared a text message from Palo Archbishop John Du who said: “We will make as many people as possible to see the Pope.” The Archdiocese of Palo has a quota of 20,000 pilgrims but the trickling registration of devotees prompted the ensuing massive recruitment.

Du had earlier requested authorities to “relax” the security measures and allow more pilgrims into the Mass, even without IDs. This request was reportedly granted and that walk-in or “unregistered” pilgrims may be granted entry to the Mass venue, but then many Catholics had already decided to stay at home for good.

Fian, in an exclusive interview, said that, “While the security concern is reasonable, the theme of the Papal Visit is mercy and compassion, and this is also the Year of the Poor.”

“This is a chance for the poor to see the Pope for spiritual relief,” said Fian, who already made an audience with two popes, Saint John Paul II and Pope Benedict, during the canonization of San Pedro Calungsod.

Ormoc City Police director Jose Macanas, for his part, told The Freeman on the need for strict measures to save the country from embarrassment. The strict security requirement comes from the national officials, he said.