Post Papal Visit Ritual Held

Lumad leaders from different tribes of Mindanao offered a post papal visit ritual at Saint Paul Parish Church compound, Juna Subdivision, Matina, Davao City around 11: 00 in the morning, January 20.

Lumads recognize the words of Pope Francis on concern for the poor in his apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium or The Gospel of Joy.

For the Lumads, Pope Francis deserves to be called “Apo Edsila,” a Polanghong Manobo term which means “Kahayag,” for he serves as an instrument who gives light. The Pope prioritizes the poor and the Indigenous peoples.

Lumads offered prayers to Pope Francis beside his standee. They prayed that he may be away from evil in his journey. They also prayed for their own protection and prosperity.

“Pope Francis mentioned in Malacañang Palace during his visit to the Philippines that the right of Indigenous people is inalienable,” said Dulphing Ogan, secretary general of the Mindanao-wide indigenous peoples’ group Kalumaran.

Ogan encouraged everyone to help and develop the lives of the Indigenous peoples and to save them from those who are taking their lands and source of living. (Jesa B. Tombo and Sharmaine C. Tagose)