At the Vatican with my friend the ambassador

MANILA, Philippines - “Not even in my wildest dreams” was the reaction of Mercedes Arrastia Tuason, the new Philippine Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Holy See, with concurrent jurisdiction over the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, when she was about to present her credentials to his Holiness Benedict XVI at Castel Gandolfo, the summer palace of the Pope outside Rome last month.

“Imagine, at the twilight of my years, I would be honored with such a distinguished position,” she says, still not quite believing her posting in Rome. But nothing happens by chance and, without realizing where her life was leading, the Lord prepared Mercy well for this noble task.

Mercy was born in Lubao, Pampanga in September 1930. At the early age of 39, her husband Jose “Boy” Tuason died in an unexpected plane crash. She was left to singlehandedly take care of her seven children – Jay, Ramon, Iñaki (who passed away five years ago in Davao), Jingy, Paolo and two daughters, Rosanna and Karen. Mercy has always been a dedicated mother, a prayerful person and a giving friend. 

About 15 years ago, Mercy’s life changed. She became involved in everyone and everything that was spiritual. She loved the company of the religious nuns, priests, postulants, visionaries, etc. She dedicated her time to charity and gave herself in the service of the less fortunate. She immersed herself in the following activities during this time: member of the Council of San Antonio Church, manager of the Red Cross, member of the administration council of the Hero Foundation, member of the Pro-Life Foundation, Inc., member of the administration council of the Evelio Javier Foundation, treasurer of the Family Values Foundation of the Philippines, member of the Mission Angels, member of the administration council of Our Lady of Mercy Halfway House, Inc., member of the Council of the Mission Society of the Philippines and also vice president to the administration council of the Family Rosary Crusade. 

She opened her house to the Cenacle Group, a prayer group guided by Bishop Federico Escaler. Two years ago, she was given the Pax Award which is bestowed on outstanding Scholasticans for her boundless spiritual charitable involvements.

At the Vatican, the appointed day itself was emotional and exciting. For the event, the Tuason children flew in to be with their mother. They were accompanied by some of her grandchildren and two close friends – Josie Bantug, now serving as her executive secretary and loyal companion, and myself. Her Excellency looked elegant in her black attire – in keeping with Vatican protocol – with a lace veil capping her head.

The Ambassador was escorted from the Philippine Vatican office by a Gentleman of His Holiness and an officer-in-waiting to Castel Gandolfo. She rode in the Vatican’s official car while the rest of us followed in a large bus escorted by the Italian police in cars and motorcycles. 

Upon arrival at the Castel Gandolfo courtyard, a detachment of Pontifical Swiss Guards rendered honors. Her Excellency was then received by a Gentleman of His Holiness. The procession then headed to the Hall of the Swiss, from where the diplomat was accompanied to the Hall of the Popes and accepted by the Prefect of the Papal House, Archbishop James Michael Harvey. Ambassador Tuason had a private audience with His Holiness after presenting her credentials – officially beginning her service as representative of the Filipino people to the Holy See. She also extended to His Holiness the warmest greetings of Her Excellency, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. In turn, His Holiness gladly accepted the Letter of Credence and reciprocated with special blessings for the President of the Philippines and the Filipino people. 

At the end of the audience, the Ambassador came out with His Holiness to introduce her entourage. His Holiness greeted us with much warmth, kind words, and made himself accessible for pictures and a blessing. It was an incredible experience that left everyone awestruck.

The Ambassador with her entourage then proceeded to the Vatican to meet with Cardinal Tarciso Bertone, Secretary of State. After the reception, the Ambasssador and company descended into St. Peter’s Basilica where she was received by a delegation from the Capital. We then proceeded to the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament where she knelt and prayed, then went to venerate the image of the Blesses Virgin and the tomb of St. Peter.

We certainly were fortunate to witness this glorious occasion with Ambassador Tuason. --------Mercy was destined for this job – it is a continuation of her “calling.” Without doubt, she will be loved by the thousands of Catholic Filipinos in Italy and will certainly be a worthy representative of our country. We can only wish her the best!

The author is a long-time friend of Ambassador Tuason and is a consultant at Benpres Holdings.