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| His Excellency Pope Francis |
Today, 18 January 2015, is the last day of Pope Francis' papal visit to the Philippines. Since day one, I have been following his activities in my native country and have been in awe and truly inspired by his genuine acts and words of love and compassion. His smile is infectious. His humour affable and adorable. His is the kind of company one would like to keep close. His positivity and strength shines through his persona like a cloak to protect you from all things harmful, bad and evil. You know you are safe and sound in his arms and comfort your pain.
Twenty years ago, I had the privilege to be among those who welcomed Pope John Paul II during his papal visit to my Alma Mater, the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas - the oldest Catholic University of the Philippines. This year, His Excellency Pope Francis came for yet another visit to inspire and rekindle the hearts and souls of the Catholic faithfuls. Pope John Paul's visit was a memorable one, of me being there in the midst of all the preparations in welcoming him and bear witness to his inspirational talks as a young adult back in 1995. This time around, it is no different. Thanks to the internet, I was able to follow the preparation and activities surrounding Pope Francis' papal visit to the Philippines - and yet again, as Pope Francis sets foot to the University of Santo Tomas. I take pride in being a part of the Catholic institution which has helped developed me as an individual - as a faithful and as a compassionate person I believe I have become.
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| Pope Francis and his flock of faithfuls |
I have tirelessly browsed every single videos and picture galleries available documenting Pope Francis' visit and itineraries around Manila and Tacloban. I can't help shed a tear each time he offers great and genuine sensitivity and prayers to the plight of the common people ravaged by the storm, poverty and social hardships. His were words of heartfelt hope and compassion, that our pain is his pain, as well as his faith and belief in God and His mercy and blessings should also be part of our lives in each and every day.
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| Audience at the University of Santo Tomas |
During his audience at the University of Santo Tomas, I was, again, moved to tears as I read the translation of his
impromptu and spontaneous speech. Discarding the written address prepared beforehand, he chose to speak from his heart as brought by what has transpired during the short program presented to him where street children were given an audience with him asking "why God allowed for children to suffer so much" and "why God allowed drugs and prostitution to exist" and even offered a
minute of prayer in remembrance of the death of Kristel, the young volunteer in Tacloban
who helped prepare in the activities for his visit there.
I am in awe and will always be inspired by his calm, kindness and words of compassion. I will try my best to remember, to act and put into good use his advice - To think. To feel. To do. All in perfect harmony.
Mabuhay, Papa Francesco!
