Well, Pope Francis has left the building.
His five days spent in our Country has seen much of the Metro grind to a halt and has also seen such an outpouring of love and devotion that I, for one, have certainly never witnessed. As a non-Catholic I have always been a tad skeptical of the Catholic Church and its trappings of great wealth and great power. I am now a convert. The Papacy, in the form of Pope Francis, has given me renewed hope for the future of the Catholic Church. This Pope personifies everything that a religious leader should be; caring, loving, deeply committed to his flock and most of all full of humanity, humility, mercy and compassion. I can honestly say that there were times in the past few days when I have been moved incredibly deeply by the depth of feelings generated within me by Francis' words.
To say that the 80 million Catholics in this country have taken Papa Francisco (or Lolo Kiko) to their hearts, minds and souls would be a total understatement. From the second he stepped out from the Sri Lankan airline's plane and his skullcap blew off, the entire country has taken this man to their hearts. Filipino's love and adore their Pope.
I, along with six or seven million other Filipino's (the number varies depending on who you listen to) made the trek on Sunday to celebrate an open air mass at the Quirino Grandstand, with their beloved Papa Francisco. I agreed to go with my darling wife for a number of reasons, but principal among those was the idea that only once in my lifetime would I probably have a chance to be part of something as big, as momentous and as powerful as this - upwards of seven million people all converging on one place with the same self purpose; to celebrate their faith. I wanted to experience this just once in my life, so we determined to go.
His five days spent in our Country has seen much of the Metro grind to a halt and has also seen such an outpouring of love and devotion that I, for one, have certainly never witnessed. As a non-Catholic I have always been a tad skeptical of the Catholic Church and its trappings of great wealth and great power. I am now a convert. The Papacy, in the form of Pope Francis, has given me renewed hope for the future of the Catholic Church. This Pope personifies everything that a religious leader should be; caring, loving, deeply committed to his flock and most of all full of humanity, humility, mercy and compassion. I can honestly say that there were times in the past few days when I have been moved incredibly deeply by the depth of feelings generated within me by Francis' words.
To say that the 80 million Catholics in this country have taken Papa Francisco (or Lolo Kiko) to their hearts, minds and souls would be a total understatement. From the second he stepped out from the Sri Lankan airline's plane and his skullcap blew off, the entire country has taken this man to their hearts. Filipino's love and adore their Pope.
I, along with six or seven million other Filipino's (the number varies depending on who you listen to) made the trek on Sunday to celebrate an open air mass at the Quirino Grandstand, with their beloved Papa Francisco. I agreed to go with my darling wife for a number of reasons, but principal among those was the idea that only once in my lifetime would I probably have a chance to be part of something as big, as momentous and as powerful as this - upwards of seven million people all converging on one place with the same self purpose; to celebrate their faith. I wanted to experience this just once in my life, so we determined to go.
Just a tiny part of the millions To say it was an easy day would be wrong. It was certainly far from easy - in fact at times it was downright uncomfortable and tough, but it was an amazing, awesome day and one that I will treasure in my memory banks and my heart forever. A wise man, whose pronouncements I follow closely, once said; "Don't spend money on things - spend money on experiences." On Sunday, Thess and I spent some time and only a small amount of money, on an experience and both of us are so much richer for having done.
To give those of you outside of The Philippines some idea of the experience of being part of such a blessed event, I'll do my meager best to describe what it felt like to be a part of that moving sea of humanity and why it means so very much to every Filipino who attended or lined the streets to cheer and wave at the Pope's motorcades over these five days.
To give those of you outside of The Philippines some idea of the experience of being part of such a blessed event, I'll do my meager best to describe what it felt like to be a part of that moving sea of humanity and why it means so very much to every Filipino who attended or lined the streets to cheer and wave at the Pope's motorcades over these five days.
Relaxing before the rain came One thing I have learnt in my years in this country is that above all else, Filipino's are among the happiest people in the world (and it is important to note that many have no reason to be so - and yet they are). The Filipino psyche just loves an occasion - a celebration - a party - a fiesta - a reason to sing, to dance and to laugh. The visit of Pope Francis gave us all those things and just to be able to be a part of that seething tide of humanity that made its way into Luneta Park on Sunday was both a privilege and an honor for me. I was swept along in a moving sea of people who were laughing, chatting and enjoying their occasion - this was their opportunity to celebrate the visit of their most revered icon within the Church - Their Pope (The People's Pope). They had already taken Pope Francis deep within their hearts. They happily chanted: Lolo Kiko - We Love You and Papa Francisco - Mahal Ng Filipino!
Far and away the most important reason for all these people to have flocked to see and to hear Pope Francis, however, is their deep and abiding faith. Don't let anyone tell you that the Filipino is drifting away from the Church. Yes, Masses may not be as well attended as in previous years (although many more still attend Mass regularly than in any other country), but deep within the Filipino heart is an unshakable belief in the power of the Almighty and the sure and certain belief that God will look after them. They are a deeply religious people and although there is a veneer of urban sophistication on the surface, especially here in the Metro, always very close beneath is their faith. Scratch the veneer even slightly and you will see their true faith and beliefs emerge.
By the time Thess and I had maneuvered our way from the entrance at Luneta Park, through innumerable checkpoints, barriers and seemingly impenetrable walls of people, to our final spot to the right of the Quirino Grandstand, several hours had passed. We found a good spot to sit, within one of the quadrants by around 10am and just as we settled down to pass the time until the mass at 3.30pm, the rain began - a rain that did not cease for the remainder of the day. Both of us were ill-prepared for this blessing from the skies, in just light clothes and no raincoats - before long we were thoroughly drenched and extremely cold. Fortunately we decided to try and move a little closer to the stage, which we were successful in doing, and we were able to seek some partial shelter from the rain under a tree. There we waited the hours until the Pope's arrival. We were cold, we were wet, and we were extraordinarily uncomfortable - but we were there and we were so happy to be so!
What are my most abiding memories of Pope Francis' visit. To be honest there are just so, so many moving moments that it would be hard to pick just a few. Both Thess and I found ourselves glued to the television for the entire time he was here. We just couldn't stop watching what was so incredibly compelling. Both of us were frequently deeply moved by what we witnessed and heard in front of our eyes on the excellent almost round-the-clock coverage. If I were to summarize just a few highlight for me personally, they would be:
Far and away the most important reason for all these people to have flocked to see and to hear Pope Francis, however, is their deep and abiding faith. Don't let anyone tell you that the Filipino is drifting away from the Church. Yes, Masses may not be as well attended as in previous years (although many more still attend Mass regularly than in any other country), but deep within the Filipino heart is an unshakable belief in the power of the Almighty and the sure and certain belief that God will look after them. They are a deeply religious people and although there is a veneer of urban sophistication on the surface, especially here in the Metro, always very close beneath is their faith. Scratch the veneer even slightly and you will see their true faith and beliefs emerge.
By the time Thess and I had maneuvered our way from the entrance at Luneta Park, through innumerable checkpoints, barriers and seemingly impenetrable walls of people, to our final spot to the right of the Quirino Grandstand, several hours had passed. We found a good spot to sit, within one of the quadrants by around 10am and just as we settled down to pass the time until the mass at 3.30pm, the rain began - a rain that did not cease for the remainder of the day. Both of us were ill-prepared for this blessing from the skies, in just light clothes and no raincoats - before long we were thoroughly drenched and extremely cold. Fortunately we decided to try and move a little closer to the stage, which we were successful in doing, and we were able to seek some partial shelter from the rain under a tree. There we waited the hours until the Pope's arrival. We were cold, we were wet, and we were extraordinarily uncomfortable - but we were there and we were so happy to be so!
What are my most abiding memories of Pope Francis' visit. To be honest there are just so, so many moving moments that it would be hard to pick just a few. Both Thess and I found ourselves glued to the television for the entire time he was here. We just couldn't stop watching what was so incredibly compelling. Both of us were frequently deeply moved by what we witnessed and heard in front of our eyes on the excellent almost round-the-clock coverage. If I were to summarize just a few highlight for me personally, they would be:
Unbowed by the weather the faithful greet Pope Francis at Tacloban 1/ My absolute top moment had to be being a part of the open-air Mass at Quirino Grandstand. I doubt I've ever felt so uncomfortable in all my life and yet also so blessed and euphoric at the same time. That day is one I will treasure for eternity.
2/ Just as the Pope arrived at Quirino Grandstand, we along with everyone else rushed forward, cell phones held high, hoping to catch a glimpse and get a precious photo of the Pontiff. Just in front of me was a young man, perhaps in his early twenties. Like me he was dressed only in a t-shirt and shorts and like me he was dripping wet. What drew my attention to him was he was shivering from head to toe. His lips where quivering wildly, his hands were shaking uncontrollably and I'm pretty sure even his knees were knocking. The man was freezing, but it was his face that drew my attention. His mouth was split in an enormous grin, he was laughing with a sheer unabashed joy and his eyes shone with a light that gave away the happiness, of the moment, that was within him. For me, this one event encapsulated what the visit of Pope Francis meant to ordinary Filipinos. No suffering was too much for even just a mere glimpse of the leader of their Faith. I was moved deeply by this young man's complete and utter devotion to his faith.
3/ The Mass at Tacloban Airport: We watched on television, as Tropical Storm Amang battered the crowds, the Pope and all who attended that amazing Mass at the Airport. The Pope was absolutely determined that he had to visit Tacloban and comfort the victims of Typhoon Yolanda and the Bohol Earthquake. I remember commenting to Thess as we watched the Mass unfold amid the wind and the rain - it is almost appropriate that this Mass is played out amid another Tropical disturbance. It will give the Pope just a small feel of what the survivors endured.
2/ Just as the Pope arrived at Quirino Grandstand, we along with everyone else rushed forward, cell phones held high, hoping to catch a glimpse and get a precious photo of the Pontiff. Just in front of me was a young man, perhaps in his early twenties. Like me he was dressed only in a t-shirt and shorts and like me he was dripping wet. What drew my attention to him was he was shivering from head to toe. His lips where quivering wildly, his hands were shaking uncontrollably and I'm pretty sure even his knees were knocking. The man was freezing, but it was his face that drew my attention. His mouth was split in an enormous grin, he was laughing with a sheer unabashed joy and his eyes shone with a light that gave away the happiness, of the moment, that was within him. For me, this one event encapsulated what the visit of Pope Francis meant to ordinary Filipinos. No suffering was too much for even just a mere glimpse of the leader of their Faith. I was moved deeply by this young man's complete and utter devotion to his faith.
3/ The Mass at Tacloban Airport: We watched on television, as Tropical Storm Amang battered the crowds, the Pope and all who attended that amazing Mass at the Airport. The Pope was absolutely determined that he had to visit Tacloban and comfort the victims of Typhoon Yolanda and the Bohol Earthquake. I remember commenting to Thess as we watched the Mass unfold amid the wind and the rain - it is almost appropriate that this Mass is played out amid another Tropical disturbance. It will give the Pope just a small feel of what the survivors endured.
My beloved wife - singing and dancing in the rain 4/ The words the Pope spoke to the faithful at Tacloban. I wondered what the Pope would say to the survivors of the horror that was Yolanda. Would he try and find a reason for what happened? Would he suggest some divine plan? Or would he try and blame man's own stupidity in damaging the environment? He did none of those. His words were as simple as they were compelling and meaningful. All he said was (and I paraphrase a little here) - I have no words to offer you to explain what happened; all I have is the silence and tears of my heart. By the time Francis had finished his homily there were few, if any, dry eyes in the crowd or indeed among the millions of us watching on television.
5/ The Mass at the University of Santo Tomas: Francis spoke so movingly of a young girl's question - a question delivered through a veil of tears. "Why do the children always have to suffer?" was her question of the Pope. His answer was both meaningful and moving. He reminded us all that until we learn to truly weep ourselves, at the injustices of our world, we can never understand or change the suffering of the people, especially of the children. We must learn to cry and to be moved by their suffering before we can act.
6/ Finally, the response of a Father to the loss of his only daughter gave us such great insight into the depth of faith of the Filipino. Sadly, a young volunteer was killed when a scaffold fell on her at the completion of the Tacloban Mass amid the furious winds and rain of Tropical Storm Amang. When Pope Francis returned to Manila he asked to meet the young girl's Father (her Mother was working in Hong Kong as an Overseas Foreign Worker (OFW). She was their only daughter and during the meeting her Father explained to Francis that he had planned to watch the Papal Visit only on television, but that his beloved daughter had organised for him to meet the Holy Father. The Pope's response to the bereaved Father was relayed to us by Cardinal Tagle. He was so moved by the Father's comments, the Cardinal told us, that his only words were: "Such Faith - Such Faith".
5/ The Mass at the University of Santo Tomas: Francis spoke so movingly of a young girl's question - a question delivered through a veil of tears. "Why do the children always have to suffer?" was her question of the Pope. His answer was both meaningful and moving. He reminded us all that until we learn to truly weep ourselves, at the injustices of our world, we can never understand or change the suffering of the people, especially of the children. We must learn to cry and to be moved by their suffering before we can act.
6/ Finally, the response of a Father to the loss of his only daughter gave us such great insight into the depth of faith of the Filipino. Sadly, a young volunteer was killed when a scaffold fell on her at the completion of the Tacloban Mass amid the furious winds and rain of Tropical Storm Amang. When Pope Francis returned to Manila he asked to meet the young girl's Father (her Mother was working in Hong Kong as an Overseas Foreign Worker (OFW). She was their only daughter and during the meeting her Father explained to Francis that he had planned to watch the Papal Visit only on television, but that his beloved daughter had organised for him to meet the Holy Father. The Pope's response to the bereaved Father was relayed to us by Cardinal Tagle. He was so moved by the Father's comments, the Cardinal told us, that his only words were: "Such Faith - Such Faith".
Just thrilled to be there This visit by Pope Francis may well be the only time he comes to this Country, given his age and his hectic schedule, but for five glorious days we were privileged to welcome, to praise and to be blessed by him. This will live on in the memories of millions of Filipinos for many years to come. Those that were lucky enough to meet, to talk and to touch the Holy Father will joyfully tell their Grandchildren of the day they met Pope Francis. For those of us who were only able to glimpse him on television, or from a distance there will still be that wonderful knowledge that WE WERE THERE - We shared the collective joy and happiness of a Papal Visit.
There is little left to say about these five very special days in the life of this Country. Papa Francisco we are richer for your visit, we are stronger for your visit and most of all we are empowered and emboldened by your words and actions. May the power of love and peace that settle over this Country for the five days you graced us with your presence, last forever. You gave us all a little piece of yourself, and for that we are all eternally grateful.
There is little left to say about these five very special days in the life of this Country. Papa Francisco we are richer for your visit, we are stronger for your visit and most of all we are empowered and emboldened by your words and actions. May the power of love and peace that settle over this Country for the five days you graced us with your presence, last forever. You gave us all a little piece of yourself, and for that we are all eternally grateful.
MARAMING, MARAMING SALAMAT PO POPE FRANCIS!
LOLO KIKO - WE LOVE YOU!
PAPA FRANCISCO - MAHAL NG FILIPINO!
LOLO KIKO - WE LOVE YOU!
PAPA FRANCISCO - MAHAL NG FILIPINO!
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