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Reminiscing. ❤️💪😍 #PopeFrancisVisit (at SM MOA)

My Pope Francis in Manila Experience

I was in the mall with my family when Pope Francis stepped on Philippine soil. My mom browsed excitedly through her phone for any live feed/streams to watch the historical moment, and as we watched, I noticed a number of restaurants were showing the same program which I assumed was the news, broadcasting the event. We hurried to watch from the window of Tony Roma's, and the kind waiter allowed us to enter and have a seat in the restaurant where, coincidentally, my mother's friend was having a late afternoon snack to watch the news as well. We sat with her and watched the TV hanging on the wall with full attention as the Pope finally came into full view, along with tens of other people gathered outside watching from the Friday's next door. Clad in all white with a simple silver cross and a flyaway skull cap, the adorable Pope looked ecstatic to see all the Filipinos greeting him welcome. Though he was far away, it was obvious that us Catholics in Alabang felt we were right there with him, as everyone started to applaud the Pope; some even started to cry. I was so thrilled to see him all smiles, healthy and "energized" by the crowd. I started to tear myself; seeing him so excited to be in the land I grew up in knowing it was full of dishonest and dishonorable politicians and church leaders was definitely something. When he met the president, the only thing I was asking for was that PNoy learn something from the Argentinean. Though I never got the opportunity to actually see the Pope in person, I did what I could by watching the news and participating in the televised masses as best as I could. Hearing the Pope's homilies were definitely my favorite parts. He was so wise and definitely knew how to phrase his speeches so it could really make you want to do something about it. I especially loved the one from his first mass here where he quoted a question from the gospel only to have the mass-goers respond "Yes", making the Pope say thanks and laugh. It only showed how fun and unique Pope Francis was. It was all a very moving experience, and we were definitely very lucky to have him come and bless our land. The themes of the Pope's visit were Mercy and Compassion. The little things he did along with what he said couldn't have supported these more. In mass, he made it a point to greet the disabled and the sick during the sign of peace. He did a spontaneous stop during his motorcade to bless a poor family on the street. He expressed his sincerest regrets and heartfelt empathy for the typhoon victims in Tacloban. He tried as much as possible to reduce the barriers between him and the people, and scolded the government officials trying to hide the homeless from him. He reached out to families and the youth, trying to understand their pains as much as possible and trying to guide them to God. His speeches addressed the corruption happening within our government, the proper ways to treat our poor brethren, and how important it is to train the youth in the Church's teachings. I'm sure it was all very taxing for the old man, but he couldn't have made it seem more effortless. I don't think even I could have done what he has been able to accomplish in five short days even if I had longer siestas and bigger meals, but I could only think that it was God giving him the strength to carry out His will, making the entire experience all the more moving and awe-inspiring.

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