One special Sunday morning, I woke up at 6am and ate only sandwich and 1 bottle of water to have initial energy and knowing the potential hardship to go to rest rooms. The day started with a little sun. We walked the whole strech of Roxas Boulevard along with people in high spirits! You can feel the atmosphere is full of excitement as we approach Quirino Grandstand. Excitement turned to celebrations or as the youth know "Party". You see childrens and adults both highly anticipating what's ahead in 5 hrs time. At 10am, we settled in a makeshift of tarpaulin beside a sari-sari store as the rain is starting to fall. We waited until 3pm for the arrival of our dear Pope enduring heavy rain and cold winds. Pope brought out the "Bayanihan" and "Balikantan" spirit of us Filipinos as people help each other and became disciplined for everyone's safety. Strangers instantaneously became close and offers biscuits and snacks as we are all hugry while drenched in the rain. Despite of a bad weather, the atmosphere is still in Sinulog celebration or party as the Pope's arrival nears.
When the long awaited Pontiff arrived, we were re-energized and felt like we had full meals and properly hydrated. Everyone cheered at the top of their lungs as if we were not tired and cold. Cheering "Papa Francisco, Mahal ng Pilipino" among millions of devoutees is a surreal moment. Chanting "Viva Sto. Nino, Pit Senor!" and seeing people dancing their Sto. Ninos showed how grateful we are with Jesus in our midst.
When the mass started, a celebration or "party" atmosphere turned to total silence. As Pope Francis procession started, I felt the time stopping and realized that I am attending a mass of the Roman Catholic's Pontiff.,The Vicar of Christ, St. Peter's successor, Pope Francis. I was chilling as my shirt and pants are all wet under non-stop rain and some winds. My feet are getting numb as I am already standing for 7 hrs with no food and rest. I didn't mind my body as I listened to Pope Francis. The Pope was serious during His homily as he relayed the message of us Filipinos are the hope and light in TELLING THE WORLD OF HIS LOVE. We Filipinos are more than devout catholics but the envangelizers of the word of God. I had goosebumps as the song Tell the world of his love is started to play. The classic song of world youth day 1995. After 20 years, song still touches and reminds us of our roles. I didn't realize that I was crying while singing the song anong 6 million Filipinos. It was the most memorable expression of unity and love by everyone.
No storm can stop us from attending the concluding mass. No pain and hardship can distract us in listening to Pope Francis for maybe once in a lifetime.
They say Faith starts when reason ends... I say Faith gave our spirit food and energy as we survived and participated in the concluding Papal Mass of our dearest Pope Francis. Faith united us all in TELLING THE WORLD OF HIS LOVE.
