YOUTH participants believed that the outpour of rain is a sign that the Lord is blessing them during Pope Francis’ visit in UST on Jan 18.
Upon the Pope’s arrival on the grandstand, rain fell in the University which caused thousands of participants to bring out their raincoats for umbrellas were not allowed within the campus for security reasons.
Ervin Pineda, a student participant from the College of Accountancy, said the rain cannot waiver the joy and excitement he felt on the encounter with the Pope.
“Sobrang saya talaga. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity wherein I get to experience God’s presence through Pope Francis,” said Pineda.
Considering that thousands of people attended the visit, Pineda said that Pope Francis brought Filipinos into unity.
“There is this feeling that the Pope brought the Filipino laity and faithful into solidarity because you see that you are all together in spreading the Pope’s message,” said Pineda.
Pineda added that Pope Francis’ humility led him to realize the values that he wanted to impart to the public.
“Hindi lang tinuro ni Pope yung mga values kundi pinakita rin niya. Yun talaga ang na-appreciate ko sa mga qualities niya,” said Pineda.
In Pope Francis’ message to the youth, he emphasized the need to love and beg in order to understand the poor.
Anne Garcia, a student participant like Pineda, said the Pope’s message made her reflect on herself.
“I learned a lot from the Pope. It’s such a blessing to feel his presence,” said Garcia.
Echoing Garcia, Mary Yson, a student from Dominican College, said the opportunity to see the Pope even for a short while is enough for her.
“Kahit saglit ko lang makita si Pope, masaya na ako,” said Yson.
After his two-hour visit in the University, Pope Francis went to the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta to celebrate mass. Marie Danielle L. Macalino
