Pope Francis, the highest leader of the Catholic Church had a rare chance to visit the Philippines last month. Many devotees eagerly waited for him in Villamor Airbase while others glued to their TV screens (I myself was included). As the aircraft taxied to the tarmac, loud screams transcended in every corner of the airport as well as during his motorcades. Prior to his visit here, he traveled to Sri Lanka where he showed solidarity to the victims of civil war.
Since I couldn't travel to Manila, I was content watching his homilies on national TV. What's funny is that I couldn't help myself taking some photos of him using my mobile phone. What more if I was given a chance to see him in person! Those images would serve as personal remembrance. I think he has the aura that captivates his followers. Based on what I also read on newspaper, 80% of Filipinos are Catholics, so I could understand why the Holy Father was quite excited and humbled to visit here. The Argentinian-born pontiff conducted holy masses within the metro. One was in Manila Cathedral, which is one of the oldest churches in Asia. The other one was in Rizal Park which attended by an estimated six million devotees, the largest number of crowd in a papal visit.
He also held a mass in Leyte, particularly in Tacloban Airport. Storm didn't hinder the eagerness and enthusiasm of the local people to see him in person despite heavy rains. His heart-warming and up-lifting messages brought tears of joy, hope, blessing and gratefulness to the people who were greatly affected by calamities. Some of the survivors of typhoon Haiyan were given the opportunity to have a luncheon with the Pope. Though some activities were cancelled due to bad weather condition, he remained preoccupied with meetings and other activities.
Clearly, the Filipino Catholics have proven their typhoon-proof faith because of this event. The Pope's encouragement, mercy and love to his people might bring the devotees closer to the Almighty. It's humbling to feel his empathy especially to the ones that given up the reason to live because of tragedies. All of his exceptional deeds including his uniqueness and charisma convinced me to regard him as my "Rockstar Pope".
Viva Papa Francisco!
If you're a Catholic, would you consider him as your Rockstar Pope and why?
Related link:
www.papalvisit.ph
Photos courtesy of GMA News
Comments
Hi Estanis,
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog! I absolutely agree with your comment. Let's continue praying for his longevity so he could have more time to share his wisdom and blessing to all Catholics here on earth.
Wishing you peace and guidance from our Lord!
Cheers,
Robbie
In my opinion he has an open minded character that no others ever had and this is the message that the Vatican should spread in order to get to more and more young people that surely is what they was expecting to get closer to his religion.
He says things clearly and straightforward.
I just wish Pope Francisco the very best in his hard and long work. He can count with me :)
¡¡VIVA EL PAPA FRANCISCO!!