‘Ang Totoong Nagmamahal, Umiiyak’ #PapalVisitPH stories Part 3 of 4

Viva Il Papa! Papa Francesco!

Nakakaiyak talaga.
Halong pagod at saya.
Sabi nga ni Cardinal Tagle, “…those were ‘spiritual tears’.”

I was touched by his Holiness.
Sabi ng mga kasama kong nakakita na kay Pope Benedict and St. John Paul II,
“Don’t take photos and videos anymore. Just stare and be amazed.”
I didn’t follow. Truly, wala akong nakuha.
I remembered the only word that I uttered when he passed by where I positioned
“Pope…”, ‘yun lang. I was dumbfounded.

Same reaction with another DXGN volunteer’s sharing, Ms. Indai Banquerigo.

“We were right in front of the altar. At first, I was sad because we were not seated at the center. So surprised when they prepared a table on the side where we were seated. Up to now, I am still teary-eyed, grabe jud!”

Photo: CBCP News

So, natapos na ang Holy Mass.
Who would forget Kristel Mae Padasas, a liturgy volunteer?
So touching, the Pope didn’t forget her.
His family was consoled.
After the freak accident, the Pontiff spent hours in the chapel and prayed for her.
He sent a message through the Papal Nuncio during her burial.
‘Twas so nice of a priest…so good of Jesus!

Here is another story from my buddy,
a graduating teen from ADDU, Ms. Patricia Fabores.

“We walked for almost 4 hours from Tacloban Airport to DepEd.
It was very frustrating due to the fact that strong winds and rain slammed upon us.
May mga napagtanto ako sa pagbisita ko sa Tacloban:

1. Totoo pala talaga ang effect ni Pope Francis. Nung nakita ko siya kanina, nagtatatalon ako sa tuwa. Nung napalapit na siya sa amin nu’ng nag motorcade siya, napaiyak nalang ako bigla. A VERY AMAZING EXPERIENCE. His smile was also amazing.
2. N’ung nagmisa at nag-motorcade siya, kahit nababasa siya ng ulan, mas na-feel kong may “MERCY and COMPASSION” siya, plus ang homily niya, full of humility and love. I cried.
3. Kaya siguro ako nagdesisyon na pumunta ng Tacloban, instead na sa Manila, kasi kailangan kong maranasan ang nadama ng mga taga-Tacloban nu’ng binayo sila ng bagyo. Ang hirap kasi talaga.
4. N’ung nahiwalay ako kanina sa mga kasama ko for almost 2 hrs, na realized kong mahirap maglakad mag-isa at makisabay nalang sa mga di mo kakilala para makaraos. Ano pa kaya kung ganun na experience, plus namatayan ka di ba?
5. Going to Tacloban is an experience I will never ever regret.
6. Pope Francis’ visit was one of God’s ways of making me feel His love, mercy and compassion. Fortunately, it was felt more than enough. God is really glorious! Thanks God for everything! Truly blessed with Your Grace!