Mercy and Compassion

          

  “Mercy and Compassion” These two words are this year’s theme for Pope Francis’ papal visit. The Filipinos had experienced “Pope Francis fever” while the Pope continued to show his mercy and compassion during his 5 days stay in the Philippines.

Pope Francis' visit in our country led to the renewal and strengthening of our faith to God for we believed that seeing him in person will lead us closer God himself. There were many devotees who would go out their way, willing to wait for hours in the rain just to get a glimpse of the Pope. It just shows that no typhoon can wither our faith in God. Seeing the so called "People's Pope" was truly an amazing experience. For the moment you see him, one will be able to forget the pain as well as the struggles that one suffered while waiting for the Pope. Everything’s all worth it once you see his smiling face that is so inspiring and uplifting. His presence makes us feel so special and blessed; an experience called as “Pope Francis effect”.

During Pope Francis’ stay here in Manila, two leading local TV channels namely ABS-CBN and GMA were both tuned in as they made sure that they were connected to the pope’s public activities starting from his festive arrival up to his heart warming departure. Clearly in competition with one another as to who will be able to execute the news better, both ABS-CBN and GMA news reported live via satellite during January 15 to 19, 2015.

One of the most intriguing events during the papal visit was when he visited Tacloban as to where he held his mass and imparted a meaningful message that tugged the heart strings of his listeners. The goal of these two channels is to deliver Pope’s message to the television viewers.  During this event, both GMA and ABS-CBN portrayed the point of view of the hopeless Filipinos who are more than willing to start anew for GMA showed the emotions of the audience while listening to their beloved pope. Thus their cameramen, focused alternately between the pope and the translator, and the audience who were engrossed to the Pope’s words.

It was truly a remarkable experience for us Filipinos to have witnessed the Pope here in our country. Pope Francis has definitely touched our lives during his apostolic visit here. Without a doubt, we proved, not only to Pope Francis, but to everyone that our Catholic faith is unwavering.

-- Domingo, Micah, Moraga Michaela, Gabayan, Marielle