What can you say about Pope Francis' visit?

January 15 -19, 2015 is the scheduled date of Pope Francis’ Visit in the Philippines. Like the rest of the Filipinos, I too, am excited of this visit. I cannot but be grateful for this one’s in a lifetime event. I believe that the organizers of this visit are 99.9 % ready for the coming of the Pope. I also believe that the necessary things are already set like the Pope’s transportation from one venue to another, the Pope’s accommodation, etc. I sense that even the government of Manila and the Philippine National Police are already prepared for the coming of the Pope. I also hear some news that the Archdiocese of Palo especially the people of Tacloban City are almost done with the necessary preparations and very much eager to see Pope Francis.
These physical or external and visible preparations for the Pope’s visit are undeniably well-prepared and now ready to cater His Holiness Pope Francis. How about one’s internal or spiritual preparations for the Pope’s visit? The Catholic Bishops’ Conference in the Philippines or CBCP, I believe, gives the Filipino people a theme about this visit. The theme is on mercy and compassion. At this point, let me suggest that while still waiting for the Pope, let this theme guide our spiritual preparations. It is not yet too late because mas vale tarde que nunca. Let’s make it a point that in this visit, one must see his/her inner life and his/her relationship with the Lord. I believe that this is what His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle wants to stress in this visit in relation to the reminder of Pope Francis that let Jesus Christ be the center of this visit. To comply with these necessary preparations both physical and spiritual is not for the sake of compliance but for something greater. For me, it is for one’s well-being in order to become a better faithful follower of Christ and lastly, for God’s greater glory here on earth, especially in the Philippines.

WELCOME TO THE PHILIPPINES and Mabuhay ka, Santo Padre!