One Faith, A Million People. Pope Francis; Final Mass in Asia
Manila ph - July 18, 2014. Pope Francis held his final mass in asia despite the down pour of rain, approximately 6 to 7 million people just considered it as blessings, and endured the rain inside the quirino grand stand and and outside luneta park, said to be the largest park in manila, luneta park is a very ideal venue to held such historic event. philippines has the largest catholic nation in the region. no wonder why the number of attendees sets a record.
I too, was part of the crowd, this blurred shot was the only thing i got to get a glimpse of Pope Francis, as rain drops and the excitement of the crowd brings difficulty taking the shot from my position. he arrived with an open mobile without any bullet protection and i believe Pope Francis wanted to be closer, so that he could feeL the faith of the people. The feeling is just so good that i couldn't describe it, as the pope gave his wave of greetings for those who stood patiently outside, waiting for the pope as he enters the grand stand where he will held his mass. it felt like a wave of hope for the people who waited and endured the rain.
At around 2 in the morning, we gathered in maria orosa st. since based on news, it will be the only entrance for the mass, however the police officers told us to take the other entrance in teodoro f. valencia circle since we need to pass through metal scanners for security purposes. probalby people started to gather in kalaw avenue the night before to have a good view where pope francis will pass.
At around 7 in the morning we were able to reach luneta park and decided to settle here for camp since we can no longer move forward due to the swarm of people making their way to the grand stand. Many people set their own camps here to eat, take a little rest and take urine breaks to wait for the holy mass at 3 in the afternoon, We brought hard boiled eggs, sandwiches and bottled waters for us to make it through the day. We then took our naps here since we were there early as 2 in the morning.
At around 12 in the afternoon, rain started to pour and we decided to transer our camp. fortunately we were able to find a spot near roxas blvd and a screen projector so somehow we can hear and see what's going on. at the same day it was the feast of the infant jesus (sto. nino) "Sinulog" a famous attraction in cebu was brought in manila, wherein despite the bad weather, the million people dance and scream their hearts out "Papa francisco! mahal ng Pilipino!" (Pope Francis The Filipino Loves you!) Raising their own Statue of Infant Jesus. It brings goosebumps and chills from inside as you can feel the faith and hope of all the people out there as they praise the lord.
The photo is the actual shot when the mass started, Pope francis dedicates his homily to children, their future and the importance of vatican places in asia. prior to these day pope francis visited tacloban one of the most heavily hit place by thypoon haiyan.
