G.A. Viray
Amidst the warning of a storm signal, the People’s Pope, once again proved his name as he delivered his message of mercy and compassion to the people of Tacloban in a shortened visit. Not only did he visit the city and was able to accomplish all the activities set, but Pope Francis also showed his genuineness through his spontaneous acts during his visit.
At 8:50 A.M. on January 17, the Pope arrived at the Daniel Z. Romualdez airport and was welcomed by Palo Archbishop John Du. He then rode the open-air Popemobile, and wore a yellow poncho like the pilgrims waiting for him at Tacloban. He was smiling as he waved to the crowds despite the rains and strong wind.
Pope Francis, then held a Holy Mass to a crowd of thousands near Tacloban airport. His first act of spontaneity was when he delivered a touching message of hope to the attendees of the mass instead of his prepared homily. He mentioned that he immediately wanted to be with the victims of Yolanda at the time it devastated the city, and further stated that he is already with them.
I am here to be with you – a little bit late, but I’m here.
It was also during the mass that he apologized to the pilgrims of his shortened trip due to typhoon Amang. He then drew laughs from the crowd as he tried to console them.
I ask you for two things: Pray for me and be quiet.
The Pope then surprised the mass atendees by roaming around the mass venue on his Popemobile blessing the people in the crowd.
On the way to Palo, Leyte, the Pope then stopped his Popemobile to visit a family in Tacloban. Arias family, which was also a victim of typhoon Yolanda, received a rosary from Pope Francis and were asked to pray for his mission.
Pope Francis’ next stop was at the Palo Archbishop’s Residence to have lunch with the Yolanda and earthquake victims. He arrived at the venue early as he needed to board a flight to Manila by 1 P.M. His lunch with the victims was also cut short from the planned schedule of one hour to just a 20-minute meal. The survivors were supposed to share stories with the Pope, however, due to time constraint, the Pope just gave a message of hope instead.
Before rushing to the Daniel Z. Romualdez airport, the Pope was still able to visit the religious at the Palo Cathedral but was unable to deliver his speech. He received an image of the Immaculate Concepcion made from the church’s debris. He briefly prayed for them and quickly blessed the mass grave of Yolanda victims which was near the church.
The Pope’s last stop at Tacloban was at the Pope Francis Center for the Poor. He blessed the center hastily as his plane needed to leave Tacloban at 1 P.M.
He safely arrived at the Villamor Airbase in Manila at around 2 P.M. Before the Pope went back to the Apostolic Nunciature in Manila, he allowed some people waiting for him there to indulge in a selfie with him.
The Pope finally arrived at the Apostolic Nunciature at around 2:55 P.M., this time in an enclosed vehicle.
While it seemed that the bad weather should have stopped the Pope from accomplishing his tasks, he was able to deliver his message and spend time with the people of Tacloban and be spontaneous at the same time.
For those who missed the Pope’s activities on his second day in the country, please check out our previous article.
