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Jamie Rivera and her glorified song “We Are All God’s Children”, inspired by the humility of Pope Francis, was set as the official theme song in his visit. Rita Avila wrote wonderful books, “The Invisible Wings and 8 Ways to Comfort with Grace” were sent as gifts to Pope Francis. A prized painting “Salubong” made by Dante Hipolito will serve as an artwork gift as a way of welcoming the head of the Roman Catholic Church.
With all these things set to be part of pleasant welcome for Pope Francis, he made it clear that he doesn’t want to be the center of attraction.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Archbishop of Manila, said that the pope wants Filipinos to focus on Jesus Christ and not him.
In a forum hosted by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Tagle mentioned that the Pope told him Filipinos should not put him in a limelight and should not be considered as a celebrity or a prominent person when he visits Philippines 2 days from now.
It was actually the main reason why he refused to accept the painting of him with other Pinoy celebrities. The ordinary setting featured “not ordinary” people but they are prominent people from entertainment and political world.
Pope admitted that he appreciated the memorabilia, though he would rather be painted or photographed with real ordinary people, like the Yolanda victims and families.
“The main reason for my visit to the Philippines is to be in the midst of these unfortunate Filipinos,” said Francis who is scheduled to arrive in Tacloban on January 17.
“In a private meeting with him [Pope Francis] before I left Rome, he said, I know that the preparations are in full swing for my visit. I do not want to be the focus of the pastoral visit—Jesus should be the focus,” the cardinal said.
The pope said that “people are creating their own Pope Francis,” while the latter insisted that he is just a normal person like everyone and he wants Filipinos to meet the “real Francis”.
The biggest event to set off is expected not only to know Pope Francis but who Filipinos, he said.
Pope acclaimed that Filipinos are most likey to be called as “bearers of the Gospel, to live it and witness to it” not as to be true in words but with pure actions.
Cardinal said that the visit will manifest Catholics’ self-examination.
Even if the pope were to visit the country every year but crime will still prevail, the pope’s visit will be meaningless, useless, he said.
People will then decide what good things might his holiness, mercy, and compassion brought.
“Selfie” with Pontiff
During Tagle’s interview with DZMM, he told that the most awaited event is not about selfies one will be able to take during his visit here.
“Hindi lang sapat na ‘nandoon ako,’ na ‘nakita ko si Santo Papa,’ na ‘nakalapit ako.’ Yung iba nga, mayroon pang, ‘naka-selfie ako.’ Ang mahalaga ay: Pakinggan lalo ang mensahe ng Diyos na kanyang ipapahayag, damhin ang kanyang pagpi-preach.”
Camera-loving Filipinos can have their picture taken with life-size cardboard cutouts that were distributed to churches, schools and malls in the country’s capital.
