Were you part of the huge crowd who waited and saw the Holy Father in person?
Yes, I did see the Holy Father in a Pope-mobile but from afar and just a speck, after the Holy Mass at the Luneta Park. An overwhelming ecstatic crowd, about 5 to 6 million people, attended the said gathering which surprised the Holy Father and his entourage. The people didn’t mind the downpour; they remained in their respective places waiting and participating during the entire Eucharistic celebration. Finally, the effort and the long walk (some roads were closed and it was difficult to get near the venue) paid off and they were all worth it! It was a once in a lifetime moment, a rare opportunity to see and attend the Holy Mass officiated by no less than the Holy Father himself, and this time it was held not at the Vatican’s St. Peter’s square but in the Philippines!
Pope Francis short visit to the Philippines was indeed meaningful to each one of us, pariticulalry for us Filipino Catholics. While we may not be as fortunate as those who were invited and chosen to speak and perform before him, or had the chance to kiss his ring and be blessed, the mere sight of the Holy Father even in an instant or on television made us happy. Did you feel that too, young Bosconians boys and girls?
We have learned so many things from Pope Francis’ visit basically from his homilies and messages during the entire event. His speech during his meeting with the youth at the University of Santo Tomas could serve as a guide for the students on how to battle the worldy temptations especially in this modern technological age. Pope Francis stated that having too many “information” which can be sourced from the internet and on the web could be helpful to the students especially in their studies but it also poses real danger to them as well. Pope Francis wants to see “holy young people” and not “museums of young people”. He further stated that the most important subject to learn in life is to learn how to love and through this, allow the said “information” to bear fruit. The Holy Father likewise taught the youth about the 3 languages of the mind, heart and hands and to use them harmoniously, as in to think well, feel well and do well.
Some of the people who have seen Pope Francis especially during the Tacloban gathering shed tears because they felt God’s presence in his persona. Some of them said, the Pope was able to comfort them, identify with them, and understand what they’re going through. His personality was filled with so much compassion, aside from being humble and sincere. Sa maikling salita, nakita at naramdaman ng mga tao ang “awa at malasakit” ng Santo Papa sa kanila.
While it was brief, the memories of the Holy Father’s visit in the Philippines will be embedded deep in the hearts of the Filipinos. His visit definitely deepened the faith of each one of us but as Pope Francis said, we should be able to put our Christian faith into practice by helping the poor and the disadvantaged.