Pope Francis attends a meeting with Filipino families in Manila January 16, 2015. Pope Francis called on the Philippine government on Friday to tackle corruption and hear the cries of the poor suffering from "scandalous social inequalities" in Asia's most Catholic country. The Pope arrived the Philippines on Thursday for a five-day visit, the second and last leg of his week-long Asian tour. REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini (PHILIPPINES - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS SOCIETY)
Reuters/REUTERS - Pope Francis attends a meeting with Filipino families in Manila January 16, 2015. Pope Francis called on the Philippine government on Friday to tackle corruption and hear the cries of the …more
Editor's note: Please refresh this page for the latest on Pope Francis' Philippine visit.
Day 2 (January 16, 2015)
Pope Francis met with several Filipino families, including those representing OFWs and PWDs, at the “Meeting with Families” at the Mall of Asia Arena and heard their testimonies.
During his homily, he reminded the Catholic faithful to “protect the family”, and noted that economic challenges are tearing families apart as more people migrate in search of better employment. He also reiterated his message of defending marriage and the family, saying that every threat to the family is a threat to society.
Pope Francis also reminded the audience to always take time out to pray every day and not to lose the capacity to dream, for “when you lose the capacity to dream, you lose the capacity to love.”
He called for respect for life and reminded the faithful of the sacredness of every human life from conception to natural death.
Related stories:
Slideshow: The Happy Pope
25 things the Pope said today that totally made sense
Earlier in the day, Pope Francis surprised a lot of people when he attended an activity that's not part of his Philippine itinerary. Story here: Pope's surprise meeting
The pope urged Filipinos to reject corruption "at all levels" and to not deprive the poor of God-given resources.
Speaking before government officials at the Palace, Pope Francis said it is high time for officials to lead by example.
"As many voices in your nation have pointed out, it is now, more than ever, necessary that political leaders be outstanding for honesty, integrity and commitment to the common good," said the pope.
"Upon all of you, and upon all the men, women, and children of this beloved nation, I cordially invoke God’s abundant blessings," he also said.
Read: Pope's full speech at the Palace
The charismatic Pope also emphasized why he is the Philippines: and that is to "express my closeness to our brothers and sisters who endured the suffering, loss, and devastation caused by Typhoon Yolanda."
Meanwhile, during his first eucharistic celebration at the Manila Cathedral, the Pope called on the clergy to examine their conscience.
Related photo: Pope Francis' message: (Full story)
Here's a recap of Day 2:
Mall of Asia Arena highlights
7:12 PM: Pope leaves MOA Arena
- Pope Francis leaves the Mall of Asia Arena and heads to the Apostolic Nunciature to rest, bringing to an end his activities for Day 2.
7:00 PM: Jamie Rivera ends the program.
- Singer Jamie Rivera ends the program at the Mall of Asia by singing We Are All God's Children.
6:57 PM: Choir sings Hymn of Mary
- The choir at the Mall of Asia Arena sings the Hymn of Mary as the audience brings out lights.
6:55 PM: The mass at the MOA Arena ends
- Pope Francis ends the mass at the Mall of Asia Arena.
6:49 PM: The Lord's Prayer
- The audience sings the Lord's Prayer in Tagalog.
6:47 PM: Prayer of the Faithful in multiple local languages
- Intercessions are said in Tagalog, Ilocano, Cebuano and Kapampangan.
6:45 PM: Pope Francis ends homily
- Pope Francis ends his homily by reminding the audience not to forget that Jesus slept in Joseph's arms. He also asks everyone to pray for him.
6:37 PM: Pope Francis calls for respect for life
- Pope Francis quotes Saint John Paul II and says the future of humanity passes through the family. He calls for respect for life and reminds the audience of the sacredness of every human life from conception to natural death.
6:31 PM: Pope Francis talks about dangers threatening families today
- Pope Francis implores the crowd to recognize the dangers threatening our families and protect them from harm. He also notes that economic challenges are tearing families apart as more people migrate in search of better employment. He reiterates his message of defending marriage and the family, saying that every threat to the family is a threat to society.
View related video
6:26 PM: Pope Francis says he prays to St. Joseph
- Pope Francis reveals he has a picture of a sleeping St. Joseph on his desk. He says when he has a problem, he writes it on a piece of paper and slips it under the statue so that St. Joseph can dream about it.
6:22 PM: Pope Francis reminds listeners to make time to pray
- Switching back to English, Pope Francis says we must make time to pray and that rest is essential for our spiritual health, so that we can better hear God's voice and understand His message.
6:20 PM: Pope Francis asks crowd not to lose capacity to dream
- Pope Francis reminds the crowd not to lose the capacity to dream. "When you lose the capacity to dream, you lose the capacity to love."
6:15 PM: Pope Francis speaks in Spanish
- Pope Francis apologizes for his poor English, and asks permission to speak in Spanish with an interpreter beside him translating for the audience.
6:11 PM: Pope Francis gives homily
- After the reading of the gospel, Pope Francis addresses the families and his "friends in Christ" at the Mall of Asia Arena, and says he is grateful for their presence.
Pope Francis and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle are seen in a screen above upon their arrival for a meeting with families at the Mall of Asia arena, in Manila, Philippines, Friday, Jan. 16, 2015. Pope is greeted by faithful at the packed 20,000-seat arena. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Pope Francis and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle are seen in a screen above upon their arrival for a meeting with families …
6:03 PM: Family representing PWDs gives testimony
- Through his daughter, Renato Cruz shares the challenges he and his wife face as persons with disabilities. Both are hard of hearing but their children are not. Pope Francis signs "thank you" to the Cruz family.
View related video
5:57 PM: OFW family gives testimony
- The Pumarada family gives testimony to Pope Francis on behalf of overseas foreign workers.
View related video
5:49 PM: Dizon family from Quezon City talks to Pope Francis
- The Dizon family from Krus na Ligas, Quezon City gives testimony to Pope Francis. They shared how their community affirmed their love for the church.
View related video
5:42 PM: Families start meeting Pope Francis
- The Rodrigo family is the first family to give testimony to Pope Francis.
Related story: King Rodrigo on delivering message to Pope Francis: It's scary
5:35 PM: Bishop Gabriel Reyes welcomes Pope Francis
- Bishop Gabriel Reyes, chair of the Episcopal Commission for Family and Life, opens the Mall of Asia Arena event by welcoming Pope Francis.
5:32 PM: Pope Francis blesses the sick in MOA Arena audience
- Pope Francis makes his way through the capacity crowd, stopping every once in a while to kiss children and bless the sick in the audience.
5:17 PM: Pope Francis arrives at MOA Arena
- Waving at the enthusiastic crowd from his Popemobile, the pontiff is greeted by a thunderous welcome at the Mall of Asia Arena. He even paused for a while to kiss a baby.
Pope Francis waves to the Catholic faithful as he arrives for a meeting with Filipino families in Manila January 16, 2015. Pope Francis called on the Philippine government on Friday to tackle corruption and hear the cries of the poor suffering from "scandalous social inequalities" in Asia's most Catholic country. The Pope arrived the Philippines on Thursday for a five-day visit, the second and last leg of his week-long Asian tour. REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini (PHILIPPINES - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS SOCIETY)
Pope Francis waves to the Catholic faithful as he arrives for a meeting with Filipino families in Manila January …
4:58 PM: Pope Francis on his way to MOA Arena
- Pope Francis has left the Apostolic Nunciature and is on his way to the Mall of Asia Arena for his meeting with Filipino families.
4:40 PM: Huge crowds at MOA Arena wait for Pope Francis
- Crowds have gathered both inside and outside of the Mall of Asia Arena where Pope Francis will meet with Filipino families.
No comments :
Post a Comment