Dear Francis: Church readies Books of Condolences

MANILA, Philippines — The Apostolic Nunciature in Manila will place “Books of Condolences” on April 29 to give the public the opportunity to express their sentiments on Pope Francis’ passing.

According to CBCPNews, the official news service provider of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, the public could write their messages on the Books of Condolences from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on April 29.

The books will be seen at the Apostolic Nunciature of the Philippines located along Taft Avenue in Malate, Manila.

Pope Francis endeared himself to many Filipinos, especially after he visited Tacloban, Leyte in January 2015 and personally comforted the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda.

Masses have been held in churches across the country in memory of the pope who died of stroke on April 21.

During his 12-year pontificate, Pope Francis appointed a little more than half of the country’s 86 active Catholic bishops, CBCPNews said.

Since he became pope in March 2013, Francis named 45 new bishops, of which three were later elevated to the rank of archbishop: Victor Bendico of Capiz, former bishop of Baguio; Rex Andrew Alarcon of Caceres, former bishop of Daet; and Midyphil Billones of Jaro, former auxiliary bishop of Cebu.

His first Filipino appointee was Bishop Narciso Abellana of Romblon in October 2013, just six months after his election to the papacy.

The last Filipino priest that he appointed as bishop was Msgr. Glenn Corsiga of the Diocese of Dumaguete, who was named head of the Diocese of Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay on April 14 — a week before the pope died.

The pope also elevated 12 Filipino bishops to the rank of archbishop and at least three bishops to the College of Cardinals, namely Orlando Quevedo, now archbishop emeritus of Cotabato; Jose Advincula of Manila, and Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan.

Advincula and David will be among the cardinal electors in the upcoming conclave, along with Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, whom the pope appointed as pro-prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Evangelization.

UST memorabilia

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) had put on display the “fond memorabilia” it collected during Pope Francis’ visit to the pontifical university on Jan. 18, 2015.

One of the activities during his five-day state and apostolic visit to the Philippines was going to the UST where he celebrated mass, met with religious leaders at the Arch of the Centuries, and the Filipino youth at the school’s grandstand and football field.

With his death, the UST arranged at the lobby of the main building the items that the Holy Father used when he was at the university such as his papal chair, the UST ID and lanyard that he wore during his visit.

The university also showed the pen used by Francis when he signed the guest book.

In the guest book he wrote the message: “May the Lord bless all those studying and working for a culture of encounter.”

The memorabilia will be on display until his funeral on April 26.

Landmarks inside the university campus would also be illuminated in violet until his burial.

Pope Francis was the third pope to visit UST, after Paul VI in 1970 and John Paul II in 1981 and 1995.

Bishop Rufino Sescon Jr. of the Diocese of Balanga said the pope’s visit to Manila and Tacloban in January 2015 brought comfort and healing to the nation.

“That historic visit was marked by so many embraces. He embraced us. We embraced him,” Sescon said.

Marcos to attend pope’s burial

President Marcos and First Lady Liza Marcos left for Vatican City last night to attend the funeral of Pope Francis tomorrow.

There were no departure ceremonies for the trip, the President’s 32nd overseas since assuming office three years ago.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro could not say whether Marcos would have other activities on the sidelines of the funeral, which will be witnessed by leaders from more than 30 countries.

Marcos has declared a national period of mourning over the death of the pontiff, whom he described as “a global symbol of humility, compassion and peace.” The mourning period started last Wednesday and will end on Saturday.

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has reiterated the directive of President Marcos that the Philippine flag in all public buildings nationwide shall be flown at half-mast as the country mourns the passing of Pope Francis.

“As a mark of national respect, the Philippine flag shall be flown at half-mast on all government buildings and installations throughout the country and abroad, from sunrise to sunset, effective immediately until the day of Pope Francis’s burial,” the CSC said in an advisory addressed to all government offices, posted on its Facebook account. – Alexis Romero, Elizabeth Marcelo, Ric Sapnu