G.A. Viray
The People’s Pope has already left the country, but aside from the smiles and the warm hugs he gave to the Filipinos, he left the Catholics more than just a piece of his heart, he also shared his thoughts to those who listened to his messages: some are full of wisdom, some just to put a smile on Filipinos’ faces.
Here is the list of the Top Ten of Pope Francis’ Quotes during his stay at the heart of Catholicism in Asia:
1. Reject all forms of corruption. Delivered at the Malacanang Palace, Pope Francis first speech was a striking one. He asked the political leaders to be outstandingly honest and dared Filipinos to reject corruption in all of its form.
2. Break the bonds of justice and oppression. Convert your mind and heart. During his speech at the Malacanang, he emphasized the need to reform social structures that cause poverty. A conversion of the mind and heart was necessary to meet this goal.
3. Keep on dreaming. During the Meeting with the families at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena, the Pope encouraged everyone to never stop dreaming, for it is the dream that fuels our capacity to love.
4. Focus on the poor. The Pope’s homily at the Manila Cathedral reminded the attendees of becoming poor by not being complacent as a key to understanding the poor.
5. He is present with us. One of the main purpose of the Pope’s visit was to be with the victims of Yolanda. In his homily, the Pope assured the audience of his presence. The long wait is over, the Pope is already with them.
6. Pope asks for two things. After apologizing to the people of Tacloban of his shortened visit, the Pope cracked a joke of what he wanted of the audience. Though the attendees burst into laughter after he stated his plea, we know it really has meaning as he was here to deliver his message of mercy and compassion and that he, as a Pope, needs prayers to accomplish that goal.
7. Pope Francis to the former street child who asked why God lets people suffer. As the girl broke into tears, Pope Francis went toward her to give a hug. He answered the necessity of suffering: that life can be seen clearer if our eyes are cleansed by our tears.
8. It may be easy to give up but God has a great plan. The Pope’s homily in Luneta talked about the harsh realities and life and how easy it is to give up, but his message of God’s great plan was indeed a reassurance to the believers.
9. Remember the feeling of new love. Also at the Meeting with the Families, Pope’s message to the couples was striking. As his speech revolved around love and the family, this statement became a quotable quote in social media, reminding us of that great feeling of new love. To renew bonds of love by remembering how we first felt love.
10. Declare your faith to the world! Indeed, the Papal visit to our country was a declaration of faith. With millions of pilgrims that participated during the Papal visit, the Filipinos showed to the world the great faith they have.
May we be able to learn and live by the Pope’s teachings.
