Showing posts with label Jorge Mario Bergoglio. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jorge Mario Bergoglio. Show all posts

Friday, January 16, 2015

Papal Visit 2015: Pope Francis Mania in Manila

(9 a.m.) Hubby and I decided to see and feel the People's Pope on January 16, 2015. Early today, we went to Manila Cathedral. 

(mid-day) Lots of people were there waiting for the Pope. Everybody seemed to be so nice, calm and blessed. It's indeed a very nice feeling to mingle with people who have the same desire and goal as ours - see His Holiness.

(1 p.m. onwards) Since it rained a bit hard, Pope was then riding on his black, elegant limousine. We again decided to walk ahead, survived barriers, kilometers and hours of walk, tons of sweats. We ate, held hands, had fun, rode a pedicab, and walked again to go straight to Roxas Blvd. 

(3p.m.) We stood and had some happy moments with our fellow pilgrims, and of course, with the 'unsung' heroes, the police officers. They were all nice, accommodating and fun to be with. They never complained even if they were standing for more than eight hours everyday; instead, they would answer our queries with smiles, crack some jokes, and have some interesting chats with all of us. We also admire volunteers from different local government units, parishes and other organizations. Everything went well - organized, disciplined, and overwhelming - napaka-good vibes! 

(at exactly 5:05 p.m.) We finally felt goosebumps as His Holiness, Pope Francis was coming - on his way to SM MoA Arena. A simple wave and smile from the Pope, blessed by the Father and through the intercession of the Holy Spirit, poured our hearts out. It was really a very fulfilling and unforgettable experience. We didn't stop there. We decided to stay a bit longer and wait again for him for the third time. 

Hubby and I were shaking and in tears while continuing our walk to look for a better place as we were advised that he would be back around 7 to 8 in the evening. We then looked for a place to freshen up, pee, have some stretching, and dine in comfortably. After a long walk, there was nothing to be found except convenience stores and 'carinderias'. And so we decided to sit down and have dinner with the police officers. They were again very nice and we had a great time eating with them. We also went to a convenience store to buy water and chips to enjoy and share. 

In these times, you would get to experience lots of things and appreciate God's love in many ways, even from little things that we tend to take for granted most of the times. 

(at exactly 7:25 p.m.) The Pope again was coming and everybody shouted and yelled, pouring their hearts out just like us. We felt more intense as this time, the Pope was just a meter away from us, halos abot-kamay lang siya. It's really a very powerful experience, memorable indeed. Our eye-to-eye contact, that angelic face and sweet smile from Lolo Kiko made me cry and shout for joy, one of the happiest times ever!

Tama nga, yung halos isa hanggang tatlong segundo na pagdaan nya at pagtingin sa amin ay sadyang nakakapagpaligaya ng puso, nakakapangilabot, nakakaiyak!

Everyone is so blessed and has become a blessing to others. We paused for a while, praised and thanked God for this wonderful gift and blessing, and most of all, said our prayers. We also whispered prayers from our loved ones, families, relatives, and friends. 

To GOD be the Glory. God is good!

Pope Francis is indeed the Pope of the Firsts, the People's Pope, and our very own Lolo Kiko.

#AllForEieoAndEiea

Love lots,

Mommy Mai and Daddy Ren



Thursday, March 21, 2013

Pope Francis Devotes His Life to Charity and Poverty

Pope Francis: Viva il Papa!
SPECIAL FEATURE: Pope Francis

On March 13, 2013, a 76-year old Jesuit pontiff, Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina, was elected to be the 266th pope to lead the world’s 1.2 billion Roman Catholics. The first Latin American and Jesuit pope chose the papal name Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi.

Favoring humility and simplicity over pomp and grandeur, Pope Francis declared that he would like to see a church that is poor and is for the poor.

Thinking of old age as a sign of wisdom, Pope Francis said to the College of Cardinals in one of his talks, "Let's give this knowledge to young people, like fine wine that gets better with age, let's give young people the knowledge of life”.

The Pope truly believes that Christians need to share the Gospel message with joy and courage because it will truly answer people's deepest needs, reminding everyone to never give in to the devil's pessimism, discouragement and bitterness.

Serving the Gospel with renewed love and helping the church become ever more in Christ and with Christ, Pope Francis encourages all Catholics to faithfully respond to the continuing mission: Bring Jesus Christ to humanity and lead people to an encounter with Jesus Christ, the way, the truth and the life.

His first tweet as a pope: “Dear friends, I thank you from my heart and I ask you to continue to pray for me.”

Viva il Papa! May the good Lord bless you and the Church now and forever.