Pope Francis to meet, dine w/ 5 Bohol quake victims

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines – Pope Francis may not be able to step on Bohol's soil during his visit on January 15 to 19, next year, but he is likely to meet and dine in Leyte with five Boholano earthquake victims.

The five Boholanos, together with typhoon Yolanda victims, will have a rare opportunity to have lunch with the pope at the Archbishop's Palace in Palo, Leyte, according to Father Warli Salise, director of the Diocese of Tagbiliran-Social Action Center.

Salise said the five are: Veneranda Gentallan from St. Vincent Ferrer Shrine-Parish in Maribojoc town; Salome Israel from St. Isidore the Farmer Parish in Tubigon; Saturnino Barace from Our Lady of Light Parish in Antequera; Shiela Bongay from Our Lady of Light Parish in Loon; and Niza Flores from St. Augustine Parish in Sagbayan.

Gentallan suffered head wound and almost died when her house crumbled at Barangay San Roque in Maribojoc. She told The Freeman that what happened to her was a "miracle."

Israel and Bongay lost their right hands in the aftermath of the tremor. Flores lost her son, while Barace was the only survivor after four members of his family died when their house collapsed. He also sustained injuries.

A committee created by Tagbilaran Bishop, Monsignor Leonardo Medroso, chose the five Boholanos to dine with the pope, Salise said.