‘Extra guards’ sing, dance, pray outside Pope residence

CAMPING OUT FOR FRANCIS Manila parishioners tapped to provide an extra ring of security around the Apostolic Nunciature come out in full force Thursday for their special assignment. Niño Jesus Orbeta

At the Pope’s official residence in Manila during his five-day visit, this extra ring of security comes with song and dance numbers.

About 500 people representing six Catholic parishes in Manila have been tapped to augment police forces securing the Apostolic Nunciature at the corner of Taft and Quirino avenues.

Dressed in their respective congregations’ “papal shirts,” members of the Our Lady of the Abandoned and Ina ng Laging Saklolo Parishes in Sta. Ana, Holy Family Parish in San Andres, Pope Pius X Parish in Paco, and Santisima Trinidad and San Antonio de Padua Parishes in Malate began camping out around the Vatican’s diplomatic post hours before the Pope’s arrival on Thursday.

Fr. Benny Tuazon, parish priest of San Antonio de Padua Church, said members of the six parishes were officially tasked by the Philippine National Police to serve as “additional layer of security” for the Pope during his stay at the nunciature.

“Everyone here submitted volunteer forms and were screened by the PNP, so we are sure that no one will do anything troublesome,” said Tuazon. “Of course, we are also here to welcome him. Our youth have prepared song and dance numbers.”

To pass the time while waiting for Francis on Thursday, the group held activities like community singing and praying the rosary. From time to time, the crowds would erupt with chants of “Papa Francisco!” And “Viva il Papa!” to keep everyone’s energy up during the long wait.

“On the last day of his visit, we will be back here to stand guard again. We will also be lining the streets as a human barricade every time he enters and exits the nunciature,” Tuazon said.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines earlier remarked that it would not be crack troops and police officers who could adequately ensure the Pope’s safety but the millions of Filipinos who are excited to see him.