Papal Visit Special Issue 7 - A.Y. 2014-2015

VOLUME XXXVIII - ISSUE 7 | SPECIAL ISSUE - 4 PAGES

“Be living examples of love, forgiveness, and care.”

-Pope Francis

PHOTO BY RYAN MIGUEL RONA

Papal visit culminates in massive close BY ALYSSA BIANCA DELFIN

POPE FRANCIS concluded his apostolic visit on January 18 with an outdoor mass for a sea of raindrenched crowd in Quirino Grandstand, Manila. The pope drew millions of people to the event which is believed to have been the largest ever for a papal visit. Prior to the Eucharistic celebration, the pope, wearing a transparent yellow poncho over his white cassock, patrolled through the ecstatic crowd in Luneta riding a popemobile modified from a jeepney. He stopped often along the route to kiss children and bless the religious images of the Sto. Niño. The devotees, drenched in rain and also wearing their ponchos, held up rosaries in a horde of uplifted arms as he passed by. Thousands of people in the capital of Asia’s only predominantly Catholic country had

waited all night for the gates to open. The gates opened nine hours prior to the start of the Mass. The swarm of people did not mind the continuous outpour of the rain for they believed that this gathering could not be dampened even by a typhoon. Pope Francis’ homily centered on the importance of the Sto. Niño in reminding Catholics of their deepest identity as God’s children and as members of God’s family. He said this was clearly shown “when Filipinos rallied around our brothers and sisters affected by the typhoon.” The Pope also stressed on the Philippines being the foremost Catholic country in Asia. He said this should be considered as a special gift from God, but should not be forgotten that it is also a vocation, as the pope put it into words: “Filipinos are called to be outstanding missionar-

ies of the faith in Asia.” The “People’s Pope” also talked about the nature of sin, that people are often tempted to give up when faced with troubles, difficulties, and wrongs around them.

The devil, as Pope Francis emphasized, “Often hides his snares behind the appearance of sophistication, the allure of being modern, like everyone else.” He added, “We forget to remain focused on

the things that really matter.” The Pope also repeated his message against corruption and reiterated the need to protect the Filipino family. This seemed to put forth an

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Former Letranite recognized by pope BY RALPH RONALD BANIQUED

SPECIAL POLICE OFFICER 3 Jaime Castro, a former Letranite, received a special blessing from Pope Francis before the pontiff flew back to Rome. Known as “Caster”, Castro was had been chosen as the pope’s food taster during the pastoral visit and acted as the pontiff during security dry runs, days before, where he got the moniker “Pope Caster.” He is a member of the police contingent in the Presidential Security Group. Before the pontiff board-

ed his plane back to Rome, President Benigno Aquino III personally introduced Castro to the pope where the president was overheard telling Pope Francis that “Caster” is “the most religious” member of the presidential guards. Upon meeting the said officer, the pontiff thanked Castro with a smile and said, “God bless you.” He was given a black rosary and a photo of the pope with his coat of arms on the back. Castro confessed that it was challenging for him to make

sure that everything served for the Pope was safe to eat but he was thrilled after as he got to kiss the papal ring and received the special blessing. “Parang nasa iyo ang Holy Spirit. Iba ang pakiramdam, parang maluwag,” said Castro during an interview. Castro studied commerce at Letran. After he dropped out of his management course, he underwent police intelligence training in

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