Caloocan woman feels blessed by just watching Pope’s convoy

Video by Noy Morcoso/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines – Rains did not stop Filipinos eager to get a glimpse of Pope Francis as they waited for his return to the Apostolic Nunciature from Manila Cathedral on Friday.

For Felicitas Villano, 68, it was a blessing.

“Ang tingin ko dun blessing from the Lord. Positive sign yun,” she said.

Villano of Caloocan City went to Manila with his granddaughters to see the pope.

“Susunod pa kami hanggang Mall of Asia. Lahat ng dadaanan niya [pupuntahan namin]. Finally talaga sa Luneta parang nasa Vatican na tayo,” she said.

On Sunday, Pope Francis will hold Mass at the Quirino Grandstand, which is expected to draw a crowd of six million.

Villano said she felt blessed when she saw him passed by even only abruptly. The Pope, onboard a black van but with windows rolled down, came from the Manila Cathedral. He returned to the Apostolic Nunciature, his residence for his five-day visit, past 1 p.m.

“Parang yung lahat ng prayer ko I know will be blessed. Lahat ng request ko sa Diyos, through him, I know maga-grant,” she said.

Thousands lined the streets of Manila Friday to see Pope Francis. He first visited Malacanang for a courtesy call on President Aquino. He was onboard a black van on his way to the Palace, also with windows rolled down.

After his Malacanang visit, he used the popemobile to go to the Manila Cathedral to lead a Mass for priests and bishops.

As his convoy passed by, the crowds cheered, and most of them took photos and videos.

Pope Francis returned to his residence for siesta and will later visit the Mall of Asia Arena for the “Encounter with the Families.”