In this contemporary time, everybody wants to experience a certain event which will ponder and might as well strengthen the different aspects of life most especially the portion of someone's faith and belief. As a born Christian, this kind of events truly helps a person realize the importance and appreciate the benefit of becoming a better person through living by his/her Faith. This is just one of the greatest challenge in order to manifest morality and promote valuable actions throughout mankind.
In amidst of this anticipation, a special visitation occurred in our very own country, The Philippines which played relevant impact to all the Filipinos. Known to be the Leader and the Father of Roman Catholic in Vatican City, Pope Francis chosen our country to start his worldwide holy visitation for 2015.
Pope Francis is the reigning pope of the Catholic Church, in which capacity he is both Bishop of Rome and absolute sovereign of the Vatican City State. He was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and worked briefly as a chemical technician and nightclub bouncer before beginning seminary studies. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1969 and from 1973 to 1979 was Argentina's Provincial Superior of the Society of Jesus.
Following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI on 28 February 2013, a papal conclave elected Pope Francis as his successor on 13 March. He chose Francis as his papal name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi. Francis is the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, the first from the Southern Hemisphere and the first non-European pope since the Syrian Gregory III in 741, 1,272 years earlier.
Continuing his humble service and admirable leadership in the Catholic Church, Pope Francis did remarkable actions and legacies which has been a great influence to all members of the Catholic church throughout the world. His humility and vow to sincere fatherhood expands his power of becoming the church symbol of Holiness and Sacredness. He promotes the spread of Love, Peace, Humility and Hope during his visit. And from this values, the visitation tends to strongly affirm Mercy & Compassion as the main theme for the Papal Visit.
Just last January 15, 2015, the Papal Visit started its journey in our very own country. Filipinos cannot express their utmost excitement of seeing our beloved Pope Francis in an actual setting. Since last year, preparations has been implemented and amended in order to maintain and keep the security of the entire visitation. Governments units and private institutions contributed and worked hand in hand in making this event a success. This journey will last until January 19, 2015 where the beloved Pope will held a union mass at Luneta Park, visit the survivor of the tragic Typhoon "Hayan" in Visayas and attend various religious affairs in different venues in Metro Manila.
The main reason of writing this article is to share my one of a kind encounter with Pope Francis last January 16, 2015 during our volunteered service as Human Barricade together with the members of the PNP at the Roxas Boulevard, Manila. As part of securing Pope's safety throughout his PH journey, thousands of volunteer has been luckily chosen to do the task. And I am just so humbled and honored to accept the privilege of doing it. Together with my colleague Mr. John Paul Uy & Ms. Mary Grace Sapallo, we did the task with the assistance of several families from Pasig City. Leading our team was the officials from San Isidro Labrador Church from Manila.
Before we proceed with the whole task in our designated area, we were oriented with the policies and restrictions for the entire Human Barricade Task. We also performed the song "We are God's Children" by Jamie Rivera which is also the theme song for the Papal Visit in the country. After the song, we are blessed with the designated Parish priest and then we walked along the roads of Manila and do our special duties at Roxas Boulevard.
I felt so blessed for the wonderful experience. I considered this a once in a lifetime opportunity. The job is really not easy and yet the inspiration to do it and accomplish it wholeheartedly was truly present in each of us. Our duties will last until the end of Papal Visit and we'll never be tired of doing the task for the sake of Pope Francis safety and throughout the series of events for the Papal Visit. We are grateful and joyful for this journey. It seems to be one of the most memorable task of our lives.
I also wanted to share
the overwhelming feeling during the time we saw Pope Francis during the
Papal Visit. There was really something with him that made our heart got
inspired and enlightened with his presence. His Smile tends to give
everyone wonderful vibe, mood and peaceful harmony. Personally, I felt
no strange seeing him in my eyes and it seems like he fully nourished my
soul and effortlessly expressed his holiness not only to me but to the
entire crowd. He simply touched our whole being and his presence enticed
everyone to acknowledge him with due greetings and respectful applause.
My heart was touched with his presence and goosebumps comes in skin thoroughly. The so called "Pope Francis Effect" was so real and the feeling was unexplainable. It's more than an accomplishment.
The crowd was truly commendable with their efforts of being disciplined throughout the journey. Everything was smooth and everyone listens to all reminders and policies implemented. The spirit of Christianity has been truly practiced and I am just so grateful for this.
Thus, everyone just did a great job during the Papal Visit.
To end this article, I just want to express my utmost praise and glory to our Almighty Father for giving the entire Filipino nation the privilege of Pope Francis' Papal Visit. We know how this country suffered from all struggles and hardships yet this event tried to surpassed all of this. The chance of making this happen again wouldn't be that soon but the privilege of becoming part of this generation has been inevitable in our individual lives. We will forever remember this Papal Visit throughout our life.
We pray for His continuous inspiration and fatherhood to each christian throughout the globe. May His sacredness and blessing continue to ponder each Filipinos. Wholeheartedly, Thank you very much for making a remarkable start this 2015, Pope Francis and you will be forever inside the life of every Filipino.
"Lord, cover with your protection, our Holy Father, Pope Francis. Be His light, His strength, His consolation. Amen."
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