MANILA, Jan. 13 (PNA) — A Catholic priest urged the faithful to bring banners with the faces of Jesus, the Blessed Virgin and the saints to welcome Pope Francis when he visits Leyte, on Friday, Jan. 17.
Fr. Amadeo Alvero, head of the information and social communications committee of the Papal Visit to the Archdiocese of Palo, said the people is requested to hold up these tarpaulins during the papal motorcade, which was the instruction of the Vatican officials to the Archdiocese of Palo.
The Vatican’s suggestion is perceived as a sign of the Pope’s personal disposition of humility and submissiveness to Christ from whom his official title stems.
For his part, Palo Archbishop John Du also asked the survivors of typhoon Yolanda to join in welcoming the Pope.
“This is a rare opportunity to experience the mercy and compassion of God through the apostolic mission of the Vicar of Christ on earth, the Pope,” he said in an article posted on papalvisitph website.
Du called on the faithful to carry banners that say: “God is merciful and compassionate”.
On Jan. 17, the Holy Father will be spending an entire day in Tacloban and Palo, Leyte.
Meanwhile, over a million ponchos, will be distributed to the pilgrims who will attend the Mass at the Tacloban International Airport, to protect them from possible rain.
Alvero said that the items will be donated by private companies.
Organizers of the event has requested residents living along the road, where the Mass will be held to open their homes to pilgrims, providing them with free drinking water and use of restrooms. (PNA)