Protestant leaders pray for Pope Francis

DAVAO CITY—Protestant leaders in Davao have joined in praying for Pope Francis who is having his Apostolic visit to the Philippines, January 15 to 19.

During the Holy Mass at St. Jude Thaddeus Parish in Malvar, Davao City, January 14, Protestant leaders headed by Bishop Jamuel Tequis of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) and some pastors joined in the celebration to pray for the safety of Pope Francis.

“I hope the visit of Pope Francis will assure us to have that fellowship with Catholics and Protestants,” Bishop Tequis said.

“The Pope’s message of mercy and compassion will not be in vain despite the conflicts and calamities in the country,” Bishop Tequis added.

Fr. Pedro Lamata, who is the co-convenor of the Imams-Pastors-Priests Forum (IPPF) here in the Archdiocese of Davao said that Catholics should pray for Pope Francis and prayer is a way of expressing their solidarity with the Church though they may not personally see the pope.

Fr. Lamata added that people should follow what is happening while the pope is here in the Philippines as he encouraged them to watch on television or follow online the social media accounts and websites that cover the pope’s apostolic and state visit.

Bp. Tequis and Fr. Lamata expressed their happiness that they were able to gather the religious leaders to pray together for the head of the Catholic Church.

ORDINARY PEOPLE PRAY FOR POPE FRANCIS TOO

“Lipay kaayo ko ug nagapasalamat sa iyaha na muabot siya diri tungod kay ma blessingan niya ang Pilipinas,” Tata Undangan, a street vendor said.

“Unta maayo ang iyang pag abot diri sa atong nasod. Iampo pud namo siya. Naga pangandoy pud mi na makaadto sa lugar nga iyang bisitahan pero unsaon man layo kaayo,” Ken Masucot, a bananacue vendor said, adding that Pope Francis, who is willing to help those in need is an inspiration to him.

“Unta tanan ta mag-inampoon. Preparado pud unta ang mga taga gobyerno ug ang seguridad sa pag-abot ni Pope Francis. Unta maayo usab iyang pagbalik sa Roma,” Bert Gualberto, a security guard said.

“Para sa akoa si pope usa ka tao nga gisugo ni Kristo sa Simbahang Katoliko, para muhatod sa maayong balita sa tibuok kalibutan,” he added. (Jesa B. Tombo, Sharmaine Tagose and John Frances C. Fuentes)