Pilgrimage to see Pope Francis

Several weeks ago I contacted my friend Ruth who is also in charge of the Music Ministry for St. Mary Magdalene Parish. I asked Ruth if she or if she knew anyone planning to see Pope Francis. Several days later Ruth contacted me. She didn't know anyone who was going.

Earlier on Jan. 15 (the Pope was scheduled to arrive in the Philippines late afternoon), Ruth came to see me. Was I still interested in going to see the Pope. I said yes. She said she'd ask her husband if he'll let her go. 

Mid-morning of Jan. 17 Ruth called. Her husband had given permission for her to go. We'd stay with her sister Fely who has a condo walking distance from where the Pope is scheduled to say Mass the following day. Ruth, her niece Charen, and I left Pililla about 5 pm. We rode the tricycyle to Tanay. From there we rode the "FX" a public van that has air conditioning to StarMall in the Manila area. From StarMall we rode a taxi to Ruth's sister's condo. It was about 8 pm when we arrived.

The following day Ruth's cousin Frocy and her friend Rose came. The six of us walked in the rain, stepped in several puddles (no other choice), and followed the crowd to Roxas Blvd. We stood in front of a travel agency whose owner is a friend of Ruth's sister. Off in the distance was one of the huge TV screens for people like us who couldn't get any closer to Luneta, Quirino Grand Center, to see Pope Francis. Two hours later as the Pope left Luneta, we waited in case Pope Francis' entourage would pass by on his way back to the Nunciature. We were not disappointed.

some of the crowd

some more of the crowd

Taina, Charen, Fely, Ruth, Frocy, Rose

display at Mall of Asia