VOLUME XXXVIII - ISSUE 7 | SPECIAL ISSUE - 4 PAGES
“Be living examples of love, forgiveness, and care.”
-Pope Francis
PHOTO BY RYAN MIGUEL RONA
Papal visit culminates in massive close BY ALYSSA BIANCA DELFIN
POPE FRANCIS concluded his apostolic visit on January 18 with an outdoor mass for a sea of raindrenched crowd in Quirino Grandstand, Manila. The pope drew millions of people to the event which is believed to have been the largest ever for a papal visit. Prior to the Eucharistic celebration, the pope, wearing a transparent yellow poncho over his white cassock, patrolled through the ecstatic crowd in Luneta riding a popemobile modified from a jeepney. He stopped often along the route to kiss children and bless the religious images of the Sto. Niño. The devotees, drenched in rain and also wearing their ponchos, held up rosaries in a horde of uplifted arms as he passed by. Thousands of people in the capital of Asia’s only predominantly Catholic country had
waited all night for the gates to open. The gates opened nine hours prior to the start of the Mass. The swarm of people did not mind the continuous outpour of the rain for they believed that this gathering could not be dampened even by a typhoon. Pope Francis’ homily centered on the importance of the Sto. Niño in reminding Catholics of their deepest identity as God’s children and as members of God’s family. He said this was clearly shown “when Filipinos rallied around our brothers and sisters affected by the typhoon.” The Pope also stressed on the Philippines being the foremost Catholic country in Asia. He said this should be considered as a special gift from God, but should not be forgotten that it is also a vocation, as the pope put it into words: “Filipinos are called to be outstanding missionar-
ies of the faith in Asia.” The “People’s Pope” also talked about the nature of sin, that people are often tempted to give up when faced with troubles, difficulties, and wrongs around them.
The devil, as Pope Francis emphasized, “Often hides his snares behind the appearance of sophistication, the allure of being modern, like everyone else.” He added, “We forget to remain focused on
the things that really matter.” The Pope also repeated his message against corruption and reiterated the need to protect the Filipino family. This seemed to put forth an
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Former Letranite recognized by pope BY RALPH RONALD BANIQUED
SPECIAL POLICE OFFICER 3 Jaime Castro, a former Letranite, received a special blessing from Pope Francis before the pontiff flew back to Rome. Known as “Caster”, Castro was had been chosen as the pope’s food taster during the pastoral visit and acted as the pontiff during security dry runs, days before, where he got the moniker “Pope Caster.” He is a member of the police contingent in the Presidential Security Group. Before the pontiff board-
ed his plane back to Rome, President Benigno Aquino III personally introduced Castro to the pope where the president was overheard telling Pope Francis that “Caster” is “the most religious” member of the presidential guards. Upon meeting the said officer, the pontiff thanked Castro with a smile and said, “God bless you.” He was given a black rosary and a photo of the pope with his coat of arms on the back. Castro confessed that it was challenging for him to make
sure that everything served for the Pope was safe to eat but he was thrilled after as he got to kiss the papal ring and received the special blessing. “Parang nasa iyo ang Holy Spirit. Iba ang pakiramdam, parang maluwag,” said Castro during an interview. Castro studied commerce at Letran. After he dropped out of his management course, he underwent police intelligence training in
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FROM PAGE 1 underlying message to condemn the new government policy that funds contraceptives for the poor. As he culminated his visit to the Philippines, the pope asked for God’s blessing to enable all Filipinos to work together in protecting one another by beginning with their families and communities, and to also build a world of justice, integrity, and peace. He also fervently asked Filipinos to pray for him. As the last words of Pope Francis came forth his mouth, the crowd turned into a rally, complete with chants and cheers. Then, it was followed by the tear-jerking messages from Lingayen-Dapupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas and Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle. Villegas expressed his gratitude to the Pope Francis, saying the pontiff’s love for the Filipino people is stron-
ger than all typhoons. “Your love is typhoonproof, you are our raincoat in the rain, our sunshine when it’s cloudy. Pope Francis, we love you,” said the Filipino faithful. Tagle promised the pope that Filipinos will pray for him as he extends help to the marginalized. “Jesus is the center of your pastoral visit and the cornerstone of the visit. We will go, Holy Father, with you where the light of Jesus is needed,” said Tagle, adding, “Every Filipino wants to go with you – not to Rome – but the peripheries.” The messages were followed by candle lighting of the crowd and mission-sending. The Mass was the culmination of his visit to the Philippines and his trip to Asia. Pope Francis, according to sources, might be returning next year if he accepts the invitation to grace the next Eucharistic Congress set to take place in Cebu.
Aerial shot of Pope Francis’s outdoor mass at Quirino Grandstand. | PHOTO FROM THE INTERNET
“When the heart is able to ask itself and weep, then we can understand something.” - Pope Francis in his address to the youth
PHOTOS BY RYAN MIGUEL RONA
Pope Francis enlightens families BY ALANIS CRUZ
“WHEN YOU lose the capacity to dream, you lose the capacity to love.” These are the beloved Pope Francis’ words of wisdom, engraved in the hearts of Filipinos when he delivered his homily on January 16. Approximately 89,000 people, mostly families, were at the SM Mall of Asia to be with Pope Francis. The event, “The Holy Family’s Journey: The Pilgrimage of Every Family,” was held in the MOA Arena. Within the apostolic solemnity, many households conveyed their testimonies in front of the Pope, one of which was the Cruz family who gave a testimony about their inability to speak and how one’s predicament should not destroy their familial bond.
The homily consisted of Pope Francis’ background about his own family. He also said dream is very essential to a family and that when a family does not know how to dream, the members would not know how to love. “Resting in prayer is especially important for families. It is in the family that we first learn how to pray. And don’t forget: When the family prays together, [it] remains together,” he said in his speech. He made a remark about St. Joseph, saying that he has a deep admiration for the saint. “He was a strong man of silence. And on my desk, I have an image of Saint Joseph sleeping. Sleeping, he looks after the Church.” Some of the highlights of his speech were about caring for one another under a roof
Pope Francis joins the children as they perform during the closing ceremonies at UST.
where a father, a mother, and their offspring should be. “You may be poor yourselves in material ways, but you have an abundance of gifts to offer when you offer Christ and the community of his Church.” According to Inquirer. net, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle said the event convened families who are faced with the “three most difficult challenges” present in contemporary Philippine society: poverty, migration, and disability. “One thing we are focusing on is his meeting with families and with young people in Manila. In those encounters, he will listen to stories of families in difficulty, those who have suffered different typhoons in life, and he will listen to young people,” Tagle said.
“To be wise, use three languages: think well, feel well, and do well. And to be wise allow yourselves to be surprised by the love of God. That will guarantee a good life.”
Pope Francis, University of Santo Tomas, January 18
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detecting toxic substances in food and beverage. He was working as a constabulary intelligence officer at Camp Olivas when he was recruited as part of security escorts of the late president of the postEDSA revolutionary gov-
ernment, Corazon Aquino. He then worked as the president’s food taster for the six years of the first Aquino administration, and for another two and a half years during the presidency of Fidel Ramos. He was reassigned to the job when PNoy became president. He was also part of the security team during the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1995.
VOLUME XXXVIII - ISSUE 7 - SPECIAL ISSUE - 4 PAGES
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Some Letranites were part of the papal coverage. The LANCE asks a few of them about their experience.
Alain delon Fusana Third year, Journalism
When I learned about the papal visit a year ago, I actually did not pay that much of attention to it. Simply because I was preoccupied with my studies and that I have more problems to deal with, A typical Letranite’s reaction I guess. Come November of 2014, my professor in Desktop Publication posted an urgent announcement on our group saying that the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) is still inneed of a writer/contributor for the papal visit. Due to the unexplained turn of events, I suddenly found myself trying to be part of the CBCP’s Papal visit team, though being part of the said coverage was never part of my plan, Divine intervention, I guess. Equipped with every learning that I’ve gotten in my three years as a Journalism Student, I was able to sneak past the accreditation and luckily, got accredited. January 15, 2015, the arrival of the pope at the Villamor Airbase. After five long hours of waiting, the pope finally arrived. And upon seeing him,
Vittorio Flojo
Fourth year, Advertising Last September 2014, my mentor Rommel Lopez asked me to join a really big event for the Philippines, but then he never told what is it all about yet I said yes and I’m game for it. October came then he asked me to submit my resume and portfolio to the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP); from that moment, I knew this has something to do with the Pope’s visit. The night before the Santo Papa’s arrival, I was lying in my bed thinking of what will happen tomorrow — I don’t have an idea but I know that the security level would be high. I was at a high place to have a good vantage view where no one can go except people in the media that bears an official ID with the Presidential Security Sticker,
unexpectedly the joy in my mind and in my heart is beyond imagination that I couldn’t even express them into words. Whenever I try to describe that feeling, it’s always an understatement. Some of you may be puzzled already, but I guess those who had the same moment with the pope would understand. That, maybe is the ‘Francis Effect.’ His presence is already a boost for my faith. January 18, 2015, A oncea-generation experience, I should say. My task was to come up with a story during papal mass in Quirino Grandstand. Almost six million people marched to Luneta to hear his mass. I didn’t mind walking through the rain from Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City to Quirino Grandstand. I didn’t even bother bringing an umbrella anymore. I just had to settle on buying a raincoat just to make it to Luneta. As I reach the intersection of Quirino Avenue, there were chunks of
people waiting to catch a glimpse of Pope Francis, and again the “Francis Effect” was felt throughout the area. Seeing the pope even for a few seconds was all worth it, leaving me speechless for a moment. I was able to witness how the people settled for large L.E.D. TVs just to be able to hear the papal mass. People were disciplined enough and had their 100% attention towards the Eucharistic Celebration. The crowd actively participated, gave their full emotions, some even cried during the homily of Lolo Kiko. Indeed, there’s something with Pope Francis that makes people feel so alive and blessed. His presence gave the people a rejuvenation of faith, an inner rennaissance that I myself have personally felt.
which makes places banned for the public accessible. We were standing there for six hours or more and all we can do is to wait and oh, did I mention how strict the security is? We were accompanied by 20 officials from the Presidential Security Group (PSG) to policemen and I was like, guys calm down, we’re not assassins! The plane landed already and everyone was waiting for the pope then my heart started to pump out my chest; I don’t know what I’m feeling — my knees are shaking as I held my camera and peek through my viewfinder. I caught myself crying even before his mobile pass. Ten sec-
onds of seeing him and I was breathless. I can’t move, I was caught in the moment. I was taking photos of him while crying. He was serene and it was a warm feeling. What’s even more heartwarming is the people’s reaction after seeing him everyone was crying and embracing each other; they have so much emotion after seeing him — love and hope. The feeling I had was the same feeling every time I will see him no matter how far or near I am; the feeling’s the same and he will knock you off your feet. The opportunity given to me to capture the pope’s visit will be history. The photos gathered can always be the same with another and may be damaged as years pass by but the feelings I had will vividly stay and linger in my heart until I lose memory.
Leslie Boado
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Second year, Communication Being part of a team that will cover a state event in the only Pontifical University in the country, it was a challenge yet a thrilling ride for a student like me to be included in it. Different lessons and experiences were present throughout the coverage. Crowd started to gather at around 8pm prior to the day of the event. They made themselves comfortable by laying “banigs” and boxes on the floor to sit on. Gates are organized by the UST Administration to prevent a chaos while entering the vicinity; Gate 6 are allotted for the Media and Presenters. However, even with months of preparation, it was still a big struggle for the media to enter as the security was strict upon entering. Umbrellas, bottles, and backpacks were not allowed. For the media, gears and backpacks will have to undergo a scanning machine. Media personnels are required to have their ID’s scanned to prove their accreditation by the Government to cover the event. It was also implemented that we will hand over our gears and let the Presidential Security Guards test it. All people were required to pass a metal detector twice. While waiting for the pope, Media are being isolated from the Persons with Disabilities. They were strictly monitoring a one disabled-one companion policy. Instead of settling in the platform that was alloted for us by the UST, we decided to stay in the
quadrant for the public people which is located beside the stage. Meanwhile, people who have not yet seen the pope were patiently waiting for his arrival. With a sudden turn of events, the rain fell, leaving a hard challenge to cover the event while making sure our gears were kept dry and protected. Fortunately, police officers happily served and gave rain coats to us. As the minutes pass, people couldn’t contain their excitement for the arrival of Pope Francis. A number of cheers and chants were being taught by the UST Yellow Jackets to pass on the positive energy to the crowd. Despite of the condition of the weather, the will and the dedication of the people to see the pope can be seen through their voices saying “VIVA IL PAPA!” with full energy. Even with the short period of time of having an encounter with pope, a few photos of him, and a wet and exhausted bodies, our team is still blessed that we have served the Lord in our own ways. To bottle it up, the sweat mixed with the rain, the energy drinks to keep us awake, the sleepless nights, and the struggle of falling in line and entering the venue was all worth it in ex-
change of a short glimpse and a few photos of the Vicar of Christ.
Pope Francis on board his popemobile. | PHOTO BY HONEY FRANCISCO
Editorial Not for long
POPE FRANCIS’ pastoral visit has ended - and so is his effect on several people of our nation. The pontiff spent five days of preaching and telling us, Filipinos - regardless of class, gender, and religion - how to build a stronger nation, wherein each cluster of our society was given enlightenment. Politicians were told not to steal, families were told to protect and love each other, typhoon Yolanda survivors in Tacloban were told to never lose hope, and the youth were told to think, to feel, and to do. The pontiff reminded everyone that “we are all God’s children.” It is inspiring how the pontiff could touch hearts with his words and belief that we could do better. For five days, he was able to motivate everyone and was able to renew our faith. And for those five days, several places in Manila were orderly and clean. Irrational as it may seem, it only happened for five days. The days following saw the usual and the same. Pope Francis has always been against systematic corruption and social injustice. He believes that, “those who take kickbacks have lost their dignity and feed their children dirty bread.” Many of our leaders may have been plagued with such greed, but the pontiff, in behalf of the rest of our nation, tried to rekindle a sense of disgrace and an element of conscience to the hearts of our officials. In spite of the pope’s encouragement, are these words enough to purge corruption? Probably, not. The pontiff’s words of encouragement may be a variable for change, but not an entire solution to eradicate this crime that is bringing down our country. Pope Francis may have inspired our leaders to stop the stealing, but for the days to come, months, or years, when the same people are thrown into the same slippery situation – a chance to pocket treasures of the country – will they have the heart to refuse? Truly, Pope Francis, for five days, triggered a hunger for change and good governance in our leaders’ hears. For five, short, days.
EDITORIAL BOARD 2014-2015
Ralph Ronald Baniqued News Editor
Kim Daniel Rubinos Editor-in-Chief Jerica Loise Orosco Managing Editor
Kevin Louise Valdez Angelica Pauline Sta. Ana Sports Editor Features Editor
Jan Joseph Mascot Famanila
Alissandrine Margaret Blanquisco Design Editor Marjorie Malabad, Joshua Banguilan, Bettina Bonillo, Alanis Cruz, Alyssa Delfin, Ronald Espartinez, Risha Fernandez, Marita Gerardino, Mykee Monterola, Eumarie Penafuerte, Kathrina Pineda, Iveth Solevilla, Bryle Suralta, Paula Tamayo, Marilie Tubalinal, Rachael Uycoque, Angelu Zafe Contributors Leslie Boado, Honey Francisco, Ryan Rona, Rhon Velarde, Pauline Gonida Photographers Christelle Ann Cala Cartoonist
Norberto D. Bana III Adviser Published monthly, The LANCE has its editorial staff office at 3F Student Center Building, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Intramuros, Manila. FO R C O M M E N TS, Q U E STI ONS, a nd LE TTE RS TO TH E E DIT OR Get in touch with us at @TheLANCELetran
BY EUMARIE PENAFUERTE
POPE FRANCIS paid a courtesy call with President Benigno Aquino III and Malacañang officials on January 16. Instead of the pope mobile, the pope traveled in a closed Volkswagen vehicle but with the car window open to greet and wave to the crowd waiting along the route. President Aquino stood beside the pope at the ceremonial dais for the playing of the Pontifical Anthem and the Philippine National Anthem. Government officials kissed and shook the pope’s hand while Malacañang employees and their children waved flags of the Philippines and of the Vatican at the Kalayaan Grounds. The pope stopped for several times to bless the children and one lucky infant was able to get a kiss on the forehead. Pope Francis was also given full military honors, including a 21-gun salute. The pontiff and the presi-
dent had a closed-door meeting before the pope delivered his speech at the Rizal Ceremonial Hall. “This visit is meant to express my closeness to our brothers and sisters who endured the suffering, loss and devastation caused by Typhoon Yolanda,” the pope said, emphasizing his apostolic journey to the country. The pope expressed his admiration with the heroic strength and faith of many Filipinos. He even challenged government officials to do their rightful duties. “It is now, more than ever, necessary that political leaders be outstanding for honesty, integrity, and commitment to the common good.” He called on Filipinos, at all levels of society, to reject every form of corruption and make concerted efforts to ensure the inclusion of every human being in the life of the community. He also stated that another
highlight of his visit was to meet with families and with young people in Manila. “Families have an indispensable mission in the society. It is in the family that children are trained in sound values.” He said the Philippines has an important role in fostering understanding and cooperation among the other countries in Asia. “I would also mention the oft-neglected yet real contribution of Filipinos of the diaspora to the life and welfare of the societies in which they live.” The pope said he is confident that followers from different religions will cooperate in the pursuit of one goal - the country’s better future. He ended his speech by wishing for peace efforts in Mindanao to result in just solutions and respect for the rights of all.
PNoy’s criticism enrages citizens BY ALANIS CRUZ
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Pope’s courtesy call
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PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III’s speech at the Malacanang Palace for Pope Francis on January 15 sparked attention in a negative light. Aquino highlighted his speech praising the Church Administration during the Marcos regime stating that, “The clergy was always at the forefront of those wanting to emulate Christ and carry the burdens for all of us. Indeed, they nourished the compassion, faith, and courage of the Filipino people. This allowed millions to come together as a single community of faith and make possible the miracle of the EDSA People Power Revolution.” On the other hand, he castigated the clergy for be-
ing quiet during the Arroyo Administration, hence the start of the conflict between the Church and the State, “In contrast to their previous silence, some members of the clergy now seem to think that the way to be true to the faith means finding something to criticize, even to the extent that one prelate admonished me to do something about my hair, as if it were a mortal sin,” the president said. “Is it any wonder then, that they see the glass not as halffull, or half-empty, but almost totally empty. Judgment is rendered without an appreciation of the facts,” he added. Many citizens were infuriated by his criticism, saying that what he has delivered was pure medi-
ocrity and that he is doing an act of “selfishness” and “hypocrisy” himself. “Parang mas binigyan ni PNoy ng importance yung mga past mistakes ng Church nung time ni Arroyo,” junior Pauline Mallari posted, adding, “Kinakalaban niya yung church in front of the leader of the Vatican. Instead of thanking him, for visiting, for blessing Philippines with his presence, he [Aquino] questions the Church. Na hindi appropriate for the venue.” The pope paid a visit to the Palace and had a closed-door meeting with the president before proceeding to the Rizal Ceremonial Hall where the pope and the president delivered their speeches.