JANUARY 15-23, 2015 ‘Pope Francis: nothing grand, just simple, humble’

The People’s Pope. Pope Francis holds hands with selected children and other prelates during the Meeting with the Youth at the University of Sto. Tomas, January 18.

Among the thousands who attended the different events that Pope Francis graced here in the Philippines were the seminarians of St. John Mary Vianney Seminary. 

If the leader of the Roman Catholic Church is looked up to by many devotees as someone grand, powerful and influential, a seminarian from a local school told NewsRecord that Pope Francis is his model of simplicity and humility. 
Last January 15, senior Seminarian Herbert Daniel was among the 70 (estimates) delegates from the Diocese of San Carlos. The seminarians of SJMVS were particularly sent to attend the Filipino Youth's Meeting with the Pope at Asia's first and oldest Vatican school, the University of Sto. Tomas (UST).

The Children’s Pope. Pope Francis kisses a little girl
during his Malacañang visit.

A model of humility
Daneil told NewsRecord that it is the Pope's simplicity and humility that inspired him the most. 
He added that for a seminarian like him, he believes that the Pope's message is also very simple--that is 'to live like Christ' and not be influenced by too much modernity.
It simply amazed him that the person who holds the highest position in the Church could still be so humble with both feet firmly planted on the ground. 
If  only people would just follow God's commandments then everything would be so simple. Daniel concluded. 
New beginnings
But for San Carlos Diocese Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, the Pope's visit is already a sign of 'a new beginning, a new Pentecost' for the Pope is sending the Filipino people as 'messengers of the Gospel' to the world. 
Alminaza added that the Pope also showed priests and Church leaders like him how to lead the flock through presence, availability, listening to [the cries of the people], empathy! and prayer by 'resting with the Lord.'

Women
The bishop of the Diocese of San Carlos also acknowledged the Pope’s comment on women’s role in today’s society and the need for society to recognize them, their talents, and their needs.
"Women have much to tell us in today's society. Sometimes we're too macho, and we don't leave enough room for women. Women are able to see things with different eyes than us. Women are able to ask questions that men can't understand. When the next pope comes, please have more women and girls among your numbers," said the Argentine leader of the Catholic Church who is the first to have come from South America.

Pope Francis hugs 12-year old Glyzel Palomar, a former streetchild, who is now in the care of an NGO.

Successful visit
Meanwhile, the two other bishops from Negros Occidental-- Bishop Patricio Buzon of the Diocese of Kabangkalan, and Bishop Vicenter Navarra of the Diocese of Bacolod also agree that the Pope’s first visit to the country was a success eventhough his Leyte trip was cut shorty due to the tropical storm Amang.
“For me it was all a challenge to our faith life as Catholic Christians. His example on how he dealt with the rigors of his hectic schedules aggravated by the heavy downpour of the rains and the dangers of the stormy weather - always with his sweet smiles, his face without any signs of impatience, hurry, or fear, invite us all to be joyful messengers of the Gospel - always ready, willing and courageous to make risks for God, for our Church and for His people, especially the poor, the marginalized, the sick and the abandoned - without counting the cost.” Navarra told the press.
Impact
But for a seminarian who is yet to finish his studies in Philosophy, Daniel believes that the impact of the Pope’s visit is huge yet still simple. He believes that it is the people’s faith and the Pope’s clear message that made a great difference.
Unfortunately, the delegates from SJMVS who were scheduled to attend all of the Papal events in Manila were only able to attend the one held in UST due to the massive crowd the gathered in venues and in the streets. 
Nonetheless, they all went home inspired by the Pope’s presence and message, that seminarian Daniel went to describe as that which ‘awakened’ the once sleeping faith among many Catholic Filipinos.
Source: www.visayandailystar.com
Photos: Vatican Radio - English Section at Facebook.com; rappler.com; inq.net