Distant Encounter with Pope Francis during the Papal Visit

I woke up at 2:30 this morning and queued outside the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) for 5 hours. At 9:20 AM, the entourage entered the University’s main gate. I was so excited but to my dismay I saw the Pope’s skullcap only because giants were in front of me and tablets/ ipads/ cellphones outsized the Pope’s face!

We decided to wait for the Pope’s convoy along España Blvd until 1:00 PM despite of the rain.

At last, we’re able to see His Holiness in person while he was in his mobile. He was wearing his yellow raincoat and beaming to us as if he’s not tired at all! We were calling his name, clapping our hands, and celebrating.

I shivered and secretly cried not because I was soaked by the rain (umbrellas not allowed to be used) or I felt cold but because my heart was overwhelmed and overflowing with unexplainable joy and gratefulness. When I looked around, other thousands of rain-soaked pilgrims were emotional too. It didn’t matter where and how we have encountered the Pope, may it be a personal one in private occasions or a distant one in streets, it mattered that something in us has been stirred up.

I didn’t have a personal encounter with you, Pope Francis but knowing that I also had a Jesuit-spiritual formation in college makes me feel closer to you. Hihi.

Thank you, Pope Francis for your genuine acts of humility, simplicity, and selfless love. Thank you for being the very example of God’s mercy and compassion. Thank you for giving us another sensible glimpse of Jesus’ infinite love for us.

Your charming and warm smile will always remind me/us that you’re walking with us with your silent heart. You have a special place in every Filipino’s heart. Yes, we will pray for you and we love you dearly, our gentle Sunshine.