In Simplicity and Humility

There was already a long queue of guests when we - Nidz, Chiara, our friend Jackie Rapada, her daughter Julia, and I - arrived at the Piazza San Pietro that 22nd of February.  As it turned out, we didn't manage to get inside the basilica where the Ordinary Public Consistory would be held. Having said that, we didn't seem to have lost the opportunity to witness the ceremony where the newly designated cardinals would be formally inducted into the College of Cardinals.  Wide screens and loud speakers were installed at the piazza, not to mention seats.  

While waiting for the ceremony to commence,  some Pinoys approached us to ask if the seats next to us were taken.  We told them that these were available.  We had a small chat with them.  They told us that, after hearing that a fellow countryman has been named a cardinal, they decided to go to St Peter's even if they would be outside the basilica.  We learned that they have been living in Rome for quite some time now.  From our conversation, I also heard how the 'Francis effect' has made its way in Catholic schools.  After Pope Francis' election, these schools which used to be exclusive for Catholics have begun to open its doors to people from other faiths.

During this chat, an announcement was made - first in Italian, then in Spanish, followed by French, and finally in English.  It reminded the people to keep the celebration as solemn as possible and to refrain from applauding while the Holy Father makes his way to the sanctuary. A few minutes later, the consistory began.  From the screen, I could see my uncle Larry gazing at the aisle where the Pope is about to pass. I also saw Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI sat at the front row with other cardinals. He would later remove his skull cap in reverence to his successor who approached and greeted him before going up to the altar.

I felt a bit nervous as I saw black clouds hiding the sun.  I was hoping it won't rain, but it did. Everyone stood and ran to the nearest available shelter - the colonnades.  There we saw a little boy dressed as a pope with his mother.  Everyone who took notice of this child smiled.  Later, we saw another kababayan - Francis Gatdula. I mistook him as a priest because he wore a black shirt with a Roman collar typical of priests. He told me that he hails from Cebu and is a seminarian in Rome. We shared with him our involvement in the parish as well as in the Filipino Rosary Crusade-Nottingham North.  A new friendship took shape.  Learning that Bro Francis is preparing for his diaconal and sacerdotal ordinations next year, we assured him of our prayers.  God willing, we may be able to visit Rome the third time. 

The rain stopped just in time for us to see from the big screen the cardinals receiving the biretta, the ring, and the assignation of the title or deaconry from the Pope.  We gave an applause when Tito Orly received his from the Holy Father. Some people looked at us, perhaps wondering.

At the end of the ceremony, the Salve Regina was sung. Bro Francis and I joined in the singing.  After bidding our newly found friend goodbye, we approached the basilica to meet members of our family who may be on their way out.  As I saw most of them, it was an unending hugs, kisses, kumustahan, introductions, and picture takings.

A few of us - Nidz, Chiara, Jackie, Julia, Papa, Tito Larry and Tita Tessa-  joined the rest of Tito Orly's guests for the lunch at the Pontificio Collegio Filippino, the "Home in Rome" of Filipino secular priests sent by their bishops to pursue further studies at the Eternal City.  A short program preceded the lunch. Speeches were made by Manila Archbishop Cardinal Chito Tagle and Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos.  There was also a song number ("Climb Every Mountain") by Frs. Tom and Jerry from Ilocos. Finally, it was the man of hour's turn to speak. 

Tito Orly told us that although he didn't cry like Cardinal Tagle when he received the biretta from the Pope, he and his fellow prelate cried before leaving the Collegio for the Consistory.  He added how Cardinal Tagle intimated to him that being a cardinal is not about honor, but service.  (Indeed, when Cardinal Chito made his speech he mentioned his appointment as the cardinal-in-charge of the Collegio. This was met by a huge round of applause to which he cautioned us.)  Tito Orly repeatedly asked people for prayers. Towards the end of his speech, he mentioned that before he returned to his seat after being conferred by Pope Francis, he promised the Supreme Pontiff that he will discharge his responsibilities in simplicity and humility.  

Simplicity and humility.  I guess I have witnessed these throughout that blessed day in February. In Tito Orly's openness and approachability (I was touched when Chiara gave her a hug which he reciprocated. Apart from this, I also saw how he engaged himself with the many people who were there at the lunch as well as the reception at the Paul VI Hall.), Chiara and Julia's innocence, the many Pinoys' fervor, the little boy dressed as a pope, Bro Francis' friendliness, Benedict XVI's presence in the Consistory, and Pope Francis' choice of new cardinals and his call for the cardinals' cooperation and communion with him and among themselves.

Simplicity and humility. Virtues we all need to serve God and one another sans the publicity and media hype (Incidentally, media presence was barely felt during the lunch and reception. This could be in keeping with the new cardinal's virtues).  Virtues we need to practice if we are to show Jesus' compassion to all.  Virtues we must constantly put on to "be peacemakers, building peace by our words, our hopes and our prayers" (Pope Francis' Homily during the Consistory).

Happy 75th birthday, Tito Orly, this coming 11th of March! May you continue to be that simple and humble servant that you have always been, ever ready to listen to the Shepherd's voice.  May God, who has constantly called you to serve His people through various ministries in the Church, bless you a hundredfold. Ad multos annos!

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Tomorrow, 8th of March is Lola Piling's 99th birth anniversary.  Tito Orly once wrote how Lola was supportive to seminarians preparing for the priesthood. He was one of those who received such a support from Lola. I guess she is smiling from above knowing that Tito Orly is now a cardinal!

Happy birthday, Lola Piling! May we continue your legacy of supporting the Church, its shepherds, and would-be shepherds! We love you.