The Pope Effect

Fully booked hotels for accommodation; expensive airplane ticket; jam-pack venues, in the unfamiliar streets of Manila, to play tug-of-war with million other individuals, just to get a 5-second chance of glimpse or none at all. These are just some of the many things one has to consider, if he is from Mindanao and wishes to see the Pope in the flesh. I had known it all simply because those were the things that propelled me into taking the road less traveled – to Tacloban.

It’s been almost a year now that I had my own share of experience with Pope Francis during his visit in the country. Determined to grant my mom’s wish of seeing the Pope, I contacted Msgr. Manuel Damayo and Fr. Ivan of Carigara, Leyte whom I have known in one of our medical mission in Tacloban, to inquire if there’s a chance we can get access in the venue where Pope Francis will say the Mass in Tacloban. Imagine, in just 30 minutes or less and after several phone calls, Msgr. Manuel assured me not only of an entry to the venue but also our accommodation days before the Pope arrives. I immediately posted on my Facebook wall and send text messages that I was going to Tacloban and that I needed 4 other companions in order that the transportation cost would be defrayed. The response was amazing. As a result, a total of 33 pilgrims took the invitation, enough to fill the three 12-seater Van. I was hesitant in the beginning to accept all of them in the trip because I only told Msgr. Damayo that there were only 6 of us coming. And so when I called him again, he told me “Those who want to come here and see the Pope, let them be.” As I look back now, Pope’s message of mercy and compassion takes effect even before his arrival!

And when he did arrive, the effect becomes more evident as transpired in the gesture, behavior, and the way people were especially in Tacloban. The all-day all-night waiting in the open field with a bad weather condition wasn’t enough to put on test people’s patient and courage. It was not easy. Personal experience would tell us so many horrible encounters especially while waiting in long lines. But during that particular time, compassion was really part of everyone’s consciousness as people in the queues are more tolerant, all-giving, very forgiving, letting others take their turns before their own, people talk in a very calm manner. It was very orderly and peaceful. Again, as I look back now, Pope’s message of mercy and compassion really had an effect during his arrival!

While mercy and compassion according to Pope Francis is God’s most powerful message, certainly its effects can mean so many things to so many people. It could mean that more inspired Catholics are now going to Sunday Masses. It could mean hope to Yolanda victims of Tacloban. It could mean encouragement for others to share their time, talent and treasure in the service of God. It could mean inspiration of the lost members to go back to the Mother Church. It could mean a reminder for everyone to be more caring and selfless. The lists and stories of individuals, which up to these days are having that pope effect, are endless. And as I look forward now, God’s most powerful message of mercy and compassion should continue to inspire me – a year after and for many years to come. This, to me, is what I call the Pope effect. (Dennis Asumbrado)