Welcome Pope Francis to the Philippines!

Pope Francis begins his Philippines visit today. Millions will come out to meet and greet him. They will be happy just to catch a glimpse of him, or hear his voice, or listen to his words. He will repeat his message of love, mercy and compassion. There will be a great outpouring of faith, hope and charity. People will be kinder, gentler, more giving and more understanding these few days the Pope is with us.

Pope Francis has already put his visit in the right perspective. “Do not focus on me. Focus on Jesus.” he has told the Filipinos. One cannot speak so intimately about Jesus unless he has known Jesus through constant prayers. One cannot honestly preach about Jesus unless he holds Jesus in his heart. And Pope Francis cannot truly inspire and move people unless the Spirit of Jesus is in him

The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
~ Psalm 105

Rising very early before dawn,
he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.
Simon and those who were with him pursued him
and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.”
He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages
that I may preach there also.
For this purpose have I come.”
So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons
throughout the whole of Galilee.
Mark 1:29-39