Yolanda survivors brave the storm signal in Tacloban just to attend the mass of Pope Francis. MARC JAYSON CAYABYAB
TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines — It was like a sea of yellow as pilgrims wearing raincoats braved the storm signal here just for an opportunity to have mass with Pope Francis.
But the rains brought chills among the pilgrims who could only resort to their faith to keep their bodies warm for Saturday’s mass.
Children were rushed to the media center after they suffered from chills.
Jiji Apao, 37, said her daughter Eva started having chills while they were seated on the quadrants in the rain.
“Natakot ako baka magka-hypothermia.” Apao said. “Nilamig daw katawan, nakikita mo talagang nagchichills.”
(I was afraid she could suffer from hypothermia. You could see that she was really having chills.)
Although she wanted her and her classmates who went with them to Tacloban to stay at their house in Ormoc City, the young ones really wanted to see the Pope, who is known to have a big heart for children.
“Talagang excited sila na makita ang Pope ng personal (They are really excited to see the Pope in person.),” Apao said.
Betty Argallon, 55, could not even control her shivering when interviewed about her experience so far in the rain.
“Malamig!” she managed to say. “Nandito na kami eh, wala nang magagawa.”
(It’s cold. But we’re already here and we cannot do anything.)
Argallon’s 23-year-old daughter Ruby Rose said they would have to endure the cold if only to be blessed by the Vicar of Christ himself.
“Hindi naman madalas ito eh. Titiisin ang ulan, makita lang si Pope,” the young call center agent said.
(This does not always happen. We’ll endure the rain if only we could see the Pope.)
His Holiness is expected to push through with the trip even if Leyte was placed under signal number two due to Tropical Storm “Amang” (international name: Mekkhala).
The pilgrims have started streaming in Friday evening to hold vigil to pray for the Pope’s safety.
The Supreme Pontiff is expected to tackle environmental issues in his homily before storm survivors in Tacloban, flattened by monster storm surges believed to be proof of abnormal weather patterns due to climate change.
His Holiness is expected to arrive 45 minutes earlier than usual, much to the euphoria of the waiting crowd. The Vicar of Christ today will first visit Tacloban and say Mass at the airport before proceeding to Palo to bless the Pope Francis Center. He will then to go to the Palo Cathedral to light a candle on the mass grave of those who perished due to Supertyphoon “Yolanda” (international name: Haiyan).
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