Photo by Rio Deluvio
MANILA, Philippines–Carrying only hope and hardly any food, millions of Filipinos waited for hours behind blockades—with many of them even sleeping since the night before—all for only a glimpse, however distant, of probably the most-loved man here in the country–Pope Francis.
But in the case of Jon Dell Naguit, hours of waiting was spent not only for a glimpse, a wave, nor a smile. It was for the moment of euphoria—when the Pope himself planted a kiss on his forehead.
Measured up to everyone else’s encounter with ‘Lolo Kiko’, Jon Dell’s meant a lifetime of blessings for him and his whole family. Not to mention, of course, that he was able to experience this only three months after he was born.
Certainly, this brought tears to the 30-year-old woman carrying him in her arms.
“Siyempre masayang-masaya ako! Walang enough words para ma-explain ko talaga ‘yung nararamdaman ko, (Of course, I feel so happy, There aren’t enough words to explain what I feel),” said Jon Dell’s mother, June-Joan Naguit, who was still stuck in absolute happiness right after she saw the Pope in the flesh.
“Parang sobrang pambihirang pagkakataon na ‘yung isang tao malapitan niya, mabuhat niya, mahalikan pa niya,” she adds. “Kaya sobrang masaya ako para sa anak ko.”
Photo by Celso Crisostomo Jr.
(It’s really a rare opportunity for him to get near someone, carry him, and kiss him. That’s why I’m so happy for my child.)
Listening to every word and chant, June-Joan and her family stayed all throughout the liturgy at the University of Santo Tomas on Sunday led by the Father of the Catholic faith whom they longed for and will keep on admiring.
Perhaps, up to this very moment, June-Joan still could not believe that the baby she carried in her arms will himself carry the burning hope that will forever inspire everyone who surrounds him with their love.
This inspiration will carry on until the day Jon Dell grows old enough to wait for the coming of yet another Pope—where he might say the exact words his mother uttered: ‘Thank you, Papa! I love you!’