Pope's smile, wave enough blessing for Filipinos

MANILA, Philippines - Rain did not dampen the spirits of thousands of Filipinos who waited for several hours in different parts of Manila on Friday just to get a glimpse of Pope Francis.

Armed with umbrellas, towels, and cameras, thousands of people flocked along the route of the pontiff’s convoy to experience what has been dubbed as “the Francis effect.”

After seeing in the widescreen that the Mass in Manila Cathedral has ended, people in Rizal Park (formerly Luneta) ran near the barricades in anticipation of the motorcade’s arrival. The pope was on his way to the SM Mall of Asia for the encounter with families.

The crowds moved from one lane to another, hoping to get a good view of the pope who is in the Philippines for a five-day visit. Policemen were firm but polite in reminding the crowds not to block the path of the papal convoy.

Rain showers started about 12:45 p.m., prompting well-wishers to bring out their umbrella or cover their heads with handkerchiefs or towels. Others who did not bring umbrellas or towels just covered their heads with their hands. The weather bureau earlier reported that parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila, and Visayas may experience rains due to tropical storm “Amang.”

Pope Francis’ convoy arrived in Luneta at around 1 p.m., drawing cheers and screams. The pope smiled and waved inside his car, whose windows were kept open. Since the convoy was moving fast, each well-wisher only saw the pope for about two seconds.

It was joy enough, however, for the spectators, many of whom traveled from far-flung provinces to be blessed by the leader of the Catholic Church.

Blessings

One of those who braved the rain to greet the pontiff was Rey Barrientos, a resident of Baguio City in northern Philippines. He arrived in Luneta Thursday midnight and waited for more than 12 hours.

Barrientos brought with him a wooden image of the Infant Jesus, locally known as “lagalag” because it was dressed as a child who loves to go to different places.

“I went here to have my Sto. Niño image blessed. I don’t mind getting rained on as long as I see the pope,” he said in Filipino.

Barrientos said the image was given to him by an old beggar he fed years ago.

“I do not have much money but I still feel blessed. If I experience financial difficulties, I pray to Him (Infant Jesus),” he said.

After the passing of the papal convoy, Barrientos smiled and kissed the image of the Infant Jesus.

The Catholic Church’s use of images as prayer and teaching tools has intrigued and even scandalized outsiders.

Critics have accused Catholics of worshipping idols, one of the acts prohibited by the Bible. Catholic leaders, however, are constantly reminding the faithful that worship should be directed to God alone. They said worship or veneration is given to those represented by the images, not the images themselves.

Once in a lifetime

Bing Menoy, a resident of Fairview in Quezon City, said seeing the pope was a once in a lifetime experience.

“I’m thankful that he visited the Philippines. Even if it was raining, I still feel blessed. It was a once in a lifetime experience and we do not know if it will happen again,” she said.

Like Barrientos, Menoy brought with her religious articles- a Lord of Pardon prayer book, miniature images of the Black Nazarene, the Virgin of Antipolo, and Sto. Nino, a scapular with the face of the dying Christ and two rosaries.

Menoy said she is thankful for the blessings that God has given her.

“So far, our business is doing well and [my family members are enjoying] good health,” she said.

Christian Patiga, a 23-year-old seafarer from Cavite province, has been to Vatican but was not able to see Pope Francis because of a conflict in schedule.

“I work on a ship and went home last December 23. Before I got home, I got an opportunity to join a crew tour in Vatican from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. I did not see him. The pope leads the Angelus every 6 p.m. We had to be on board the ship at 5:30 p.m,” he said.

His dream of seeing the charismatic pontiff was fulfilled on Friday in his own country.

“It was raining but it’s okay. I saw him (Pope Francis) and those seconds were precious,” Patiga, who was carrying rosaries that came from Vatican, said.

When asked about his impression of the pope, Patiga said: “I think he is a very good person.”