MILLIONS of Filipinos lined up the streets of Roxas Boulevard in Manila with their desire to have, at least, a glimpse of Pope Francis, when he arrived in the country on Thursday, Jan. 15.
Pope Francis’s visit to the Philippines coincides with the Church’s “Year of the Poor.”
For a devoted Juan dela Cruz who struggles to make ends meet, this Papal visit is a once in a lifetime experience.
In his speech at the Malacañang Palace, the pontiff reminded the audience that everyone, regardless of their rank in the society, must “reject every form of corruption which diverts resources from the poor, and to make concerted efforts to ensure the inclusion of every man and woman and child in the community.”
Moreover, Pope Francis reminded his fellow priests that they should give up materialism to fully serve Christ and the people.
“Only by becoming poor ourselves, by stripping away our complacency will we be able to identify with the least of our brothers and sisters,” he said.
The Philippines has enough resources to feed its people, but clearly, there is fault in how the country’s assets are being distributed. Those in power gain much more than they what they need, contributing to the plight of the masses.
People involved in corruption, in a sense, are also poor—poor of moral and divine enlightenment. Nevertheless, the Pope reminds us that there is still hope for a better, less poor community.
May Pope Francis’s message have a lasting impact on the country. May politicians, priests and even ordinary people be inspired by God’s message delivered by the pontiff.
(AJPress)
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