A ‘DRY-RUN’ OF HOW IT FEELS TO WAIT FOR POPE FRANCIS The entire stretch of Roxas Boulevard has been fenced off with concrete barriers to protect the millions of people who would line up and take a glance of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, when he arrives in the Philippines. The concrete barriers would also serve as protection to prevent the spilling into the streets of welcomers which could slow down the Pope’s motorcade. I am one of those millions of devout Catholics who look forward to this pastoral visit of the Pope to thank him for visiting our country and for praying for all of us. And how does it feel to line-up or join the queue of millions of devotees to welcome His Holiness? I made my own “dry-run” on how it feels while I await for the real event to unfold with these photos* taken this morning (January 12) along Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City with Pope Francis’ photograph on hand. Thereafter, I said a little prayer for His Holiness’ safety and security wherever he goes coupled with this poem by James J. Metcalfe which, although written in 1952, would forever remain as a sincere prayer for His Holiness. This poem is lifted from Metcalfe’s book of prayerful poems, My Rosary of Rhymes which had the Imprimatur of Francis Cardinal Spellman, Archbishop of New York on April 28, 1952. What a coincidence that the Cardinal who gave this imprimatur was also named “Francis”. LORD, BLESS HIS HOLINESS By: James J. Metcalfe Lord, bless our Holy Father, in the Vatican at Rome And keep a special place for him, in Your eternal home. He rules and guides with humbleness, the people of Your church And strives to give us comfort, in our everlasting search. He teaches us to follow You, and do Your holy will To keep Your great commandments, and our promises fulfill. He holds the keys You handed, to St. Peter long ago The keys to Your eternal church, for everyone to know. O Lord, bestow Your grace upon, our Pope, His Holiness And after life bestow on him, eternal happiness. ATTY. ROMULO B. MACALINTAL Lector-Commentator Last Supper of Our Lord Parish Las Pinas City January 12, 2015 *Attached fotos were taken this morning (January 12) along Roxas Boulevard in front of Aristocrat Restaurant in Pasay City.
Posted on: Tue, 13 Jan 2015 07:07:47 +0000