In just a few days, His Holiness, Pope Francis, will be in the Philippines. Are you ready for the third pope to visit our country?
Whether you’ll be waving at Pope Francis and his entourage on the streets or hearing mass at the park with millions of other Filipinos, the following information will help minimize hassles and keep families safer during this momentous event.
1. Pope Francis will grace several venues in Metro Manila and the province of Leyte during his four-day visit.
Check his itinerary below to find out which events you can attend to be able to prepare accordingly.
His Holiness Pope Francis’ visit to the Philippines
January 15 – 19, 2015
Thursday, January 15, 2015
- 5:45 pm ~ Arrival at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City and Official Welcome
Friday, January 16, 2015
- 9:15 am ~ Welcome Ceremony at Malacañang Palace and Courtesy Visit to the President
- 10:15 am ~ Meeting with the Authorities and the Diplomatic Corps at the Rizal Ceremonial Hall of the Presidential Palace
- 11:15 am ~ Holy Mass with the Bishops, Priests, and Religious Women and Men at the Manila Cathedral
- 5:30 pm ~ Meeting with the Families at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay
Saturday, January 17, 2015
- 8:15 am ~ Departure by plane for Tacloban, Leyte
- 9:30 am ~ Arrival at Tacloban City Airport
- 10:00 am ~ Holy Mass near Tacloban International Airport
- 12:45 pm ~ Lunch with some survivors of Typhoon Yolanda at the Archbishop’s Residence in Palo
- 3:00 pm ~ Blessing of the Pope Francis Center for the Poor
- 3:30 pm ~ Meeting with the Priests, Religious Women and Men, Seminarians and Families of the Survivors at the Cathedral of Palo
- 5:00 pm ~ Departure by plane for Manila
- 6:15 pm ~ Arrival at Villamor Air Base in Pasay
Sunday, January 18, 2015
- 9:45 am ~Brief Meeting with the Religious Leaders of the Philippines at the Pontifical University of Santo Tomas in Manila
- 10:30 am ~ Meeting with the Youth at the Sports Field of UST
- 3:30 pm ~ Holy Mass at Rizal Park in Manila
Monday, January 19, 2015
- 9:45 am ~ Leave Taking Ceremony at the Presidential Pavilion of Villamor Air Base in Pasay
- 10:00 am ~ Departure by plane for Rome, Italy
- 5:40 pm ~ Arrival at the Rome Ciampino Airport
2. Although open to the public, some papal events will be limited to pre-selected representatives.
Examples of these events are the Pope’s scheduled meetings with the religious and the youth at the University of Sto. Tomas in Manila, and the meeting with families at the Mall of Asia in Pasay, says Ana Cosio of the Papal Visit Social Media Team.
Cosio likewise clarifies that no tickets are required to attend events related to the papal visit and warns the public against anyone who tries to sell passes to such.
3. Expect massive crowds especially on Sunday, January 18, when the pope says mass at Rizal Park.
Image source: The Record
Arrive early to get good seats but brace yourself and your family just the same for the unpleasantness that inevitably comes with overcrowding such as tight spaces, stuffiness, jostling, and noise.
4. Practice these safety tips with your family when in crowded places.
- Dress your kids in bright, easy-to-spot, and comfortable clothes. Dressing them in one color will be a good idea.
- Have snacks and drinks on hand as there might not be food stalls on the site; lines might be very long too.
- Bring an umbrella and extra clothes as protection from the elements and sudden weather changes.
- Always stay together and keep your children close. Don’t let youngsters go to concession stands or the restroom alone.
- Have a family emergency plan. Role play at home about certain situations. Point out and agree on people and places your kids can approach or go to in case they get lost or separated.
- Make sure your children know their parents’ names, address and telephone numbers. Alternatively, they can carry an ID for easy recognition.
- Alert the authorities right away if your child goes missing.
5. You can still show support and express your appreciation for the pope even if you can’t attend any of the papal events.
Monsignor Clem Ignacio, Executive Secretary of the Papal Visit Finance Committee, says they would be happy to accept donations.
All donations will be receipted. Just make your check payable to RCAM – PAPAL VISIT and deposit to BPI Current Account #0051-0556-75 or Security Bank Savings Account #0061-015085-001.
Call the Papal Visit Finance Committee or the office of Msgr. Ignacio at (02)527-2995 and look for Marla, Kish or Mildred, or email [email protected].
May this papal visit leave you and your family with meaningful and lasting memories.
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