As everyone knows, His Holiness is here in our country for a pastoral visit (as He reiterated in His response during the event in Malacañan). From the very day He set foot in the Philippine soil, I religiously followed the Papal Visit on television and various social media. I cannot help but feel excited with a bit of envy with all my countrymen who were able to have a glimpse of Pope Francis. Every time I see the Pope on TV, I feel so inspired. His unlimited smile and sincere eyes has this effect on me that I cannot explain in words.
The Tacloban visit, the most important event of all, was probably the best thing that ever happened in the city after Yolanda aka Haiyan although it was cut short due to typhoon Amang. I have never been moved by any preachers' homily as much as Pope Francis did. He opted to deviate from His prepared sermon in English and instead made an extempo in Spanish as He wanted "to speak from the heart". Thank you Pope Francis for telling us that you really do not have any more words to console the Yolanda victims as they suffered through a lot but just to remember that Jesus also suffered a lot to save us. Indeed, God is always with us. And that there is Jesus in all of us, a child yearning for our mothers in times of difficulty.
Moving on to today's event, I went back to my unit the night before with my sibling and cousins because we thought that there was a bigger chance we could have a glimpse of Pope Francis in UST than in Luneta.
So, at around 3:30 am, we endeavored to go to Dapitan gate to make it to the 9:30 am event. However, the whole stretch of Dapitan was jampacked. After 3 hours of lining up, we have given up--- sleepless, tired and hungry.
Our last option was to go to Luneta. Thank God for my relatives working in the MMDA, we were properly informed of the Pope's route. We were told that His Holiness will enter the Grandstand near Museong Pambata. Armed with that knowledge, we endeavored to get a spot in the center island across the Museum. Finally, after 4 hours of being drenched in rainwaters, the papal motorcade happened.
Yes, I had a good 4-7 seconds glimpse of Papa Francesco. And it was enough. I cannot think of anything that will probably top this experience. It was the best thing that ever happened to this Catholic educated girl. Truly, I felt so fortunate and blessed to have this encounter with His Holiness, not only because I am one of the 6M devotees who flock to Luneta, but because I know that the Catholic Church is in good hands with Papa Francesco.
Viva Il Papa! Papa Francesco! #papalvisitph2015
P.S. I am still figuring out how to upload the Papal motorcade video.
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