“Do not hide your faith.” – Pope Francis

Three lay leaders of the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Bangkal were invigorated by Pope Francis in his recent papal visit to our country. Parish Worship Ministry Coordinator Leonides Lallen and husband Donato Lallen joined the Pope’s meeting with the families last January 16, 2015; while GKK Youth Coordinator Ronmark Coprada participated in the Pope’s encounter with the youth last January 18, 2015.

Lallen couple and Coprada believed that service and faith go together. The words of wisdom of Pope Francis inspired the OLLP delegates, and revitalized their commitment and motivation in serving the parish in their respective ministries; and not to hide their faith. Lallen couple met with Pope Francis at the MOA Arena along with 49 other couple delegates from the Archdiocese of Davao. Though seated at the upper box of the general admission area, quite far up a distance from the stage, Lallen couple clearly saw the radiance from the Pope, and heard evidently his message of resting in the Lord, rising with Jesus and Mary, and being a prophetic voice to others. Coprada, on the other hand, stood quite far at the back portion of the UST ground, but pretty near as the Pope Mobile passed by their area along with 69 other delegates from the Davao Archdiocesan Youth Coordinating Apostolate (DAYCA). He also heard clearly Pope’s message of love: to think, to feel and to do harmoniously; and understood the importance and challenge of learning how to beg, and how to receive with humility.