WOYWW: Pope Francis in Manila

My desk is filled with Pope Francis memorabilia! 

A Vatican flag...

a liturgical booklet...

the ID and raincoat I used, and a souvenir t-shirt from Tacloban that a friend gave me.

Pope Francis came for a visit to the Philippines (January 15 to January 19) and these past few days have been such a blessing for us!  Just to catch a glimpse of him, we Filipinos would walk long distances, brave the crowds, wait for hours, and stand in the pouring rain (they say Filipinos have a rainproof faith!)  Everywhere his vehicle passed, the streets were filled with people excitedly waiting and as he would pass by, the crowds would give him a rapturous welcome.  When those few seconds were over, we would rejoice in the blessing of his visit and feel that the wait was all worth it.   In Him, we saw the light of Christ, a man full of mercy and compassion, our spiritual father, a shepherd who loves his flock.

The joy we felt when we finally saw the Pope made all the challenges worth it.  Life is also full of challenges but the joy of seeing Jesus is worth much more.  We will forget all our difficulties with one glimpse of Jesus.  Oh, I look forward to meeting Jesus face to face!

The theme song for Pope Francis' visit was "We are All God's Children" and he reminded us not to forget our true identity.  Here is a video my community, Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon, helped to make (I know a lot of the people dancing in the video)...

Do you see these children on the streets 

Have you walked the pavements where they sleep? 

Do you feel their hands 

 When you give them alms? 

Did you ever give them bread to eat? 

 Have you seen their homes washed by the floods? 

While a mother tightly holds her child 

Do you hear the wind 

 Of the raging storm? 

Can you tell them where it's coming from? 

 Let us show our love and mercy 

With true kindness and humility 

For God loves the weak and the needy 

Just like you and me 

 We are all God's children 

We are all the same 

He is calling us by name to help the poor and lame 

And learn what life is really for 

It's to know and love and serve the Lord 

 Stand together and let's do our part 

Hear their voices mend their broken hearts 

Choose to be brave fight for their rights 

Give them back their honor and their pride 

 Please do not be blind and just leave them behind 

To struggle in darkness or give them empty promises 

 We are all God's children 

We are all the same 

He is calling us by name to help the poor and lame 

And learn what life is really for 

It's to know and love and serve the Lord 

 It's to know and love and serve the Lord 

It's to know and love and serve the Lord

Sharing my joy in What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday, Word Art Wednesday and Inspire Me Monday!