CEBU, Philippines - “I am so thankful,” said John Charles Serapion as he narrated his experience during the encounter of Pope Francis with youth members at the University of Santo Tomas last January 18.
Serapion was one of the 45 selected parish leaders of Cebu province who traveled to Metro Manila to attend the Pope’s encounter with the youth.
Serapion and other parish leaders, who returned to Cebu from Manila on January 19, gathered once again yesterday evening for a thanksgiving Mass held at the San Pedro Calungsod Youth Center.
Commission on Youth chairman Rev. Fr. Kit Sestoso, who celebrated the Mass, reminded the youth leaders to impart Pope’s message to others.
“Gihagit ang kabatan-onan nga hinaot ang mensahe nga iyang gipaambit diha ninyo, dili tago-an kundili ipadayag ug ipaambit sa uban,” he said.
“Ang Santo Papa nagpakita og kalooy ug gugma. Kamo nga nakakita sa Ginoo pinaagi sa Santo Papa, it was a blessing maong magpasalamat ta sa Ginoo,” he further said.
Archdiocesan youth leader Ian Pableo said the essence of participating in the Mass was to show gratitude for the safe trip.
“Ug sa dakong grasya nga ilang nadawat sa pagkakita sa Santo Papa,” added Pableo.
Serapion, for his part, could only be very thankful for the opportunity to personally see the Pope.
“I feel happy, it was a great privilege,” he said, adding that the rain did not stop them from attending the event.
He said they were only about ten meters away from the Pope when his popemobile passed their way.
“Wala ko kasabot sa akong emotion. Nanlimbawot akong balhibo, katuon gud akong luha,” he shared. “Nakita nako kun unsa siya ka-humble, kun unsa siya ka-simple,” he added.
According to Serapion, he was challenged by the Pope’s message to the youth that goes, “Learn how to cry for the poor with mercy and compassion.”
“Bisan wala mi kakupot sa Pope, na-feel namo ang iyang gugma sa mga kabatan-onan,” he further shared. – (FREEMAN)