A Sunday with the Pope

Being in Rome, for me, would be incomplete without seeing the Pope.  During our first trip to the Eternal City, we didn't get that chance to see Pope Benedict XVI - we arrived a day after the general audience and then we heard that he was on a pastoral visit in another part of Italy.  

The papacy has been an important part of our Christian faith.  It traces its roots from St Peter the Apostle who was chosen to lead His Church.  Because of his role as our spiritual leader, we Catholics fondly call the Pope as Holy Father.  

February 23, a day after the Consistory.  I woke up at 5:30am. After having a light breakfast, we made our way to St Peter's Basilica.  We met  some aunts and a lone uncle from the Valdes Family along the way. Tia Dulce Valdes-Barangan and I were teasing each other for we came early this time! There was already a queue at the piazza. My uncle and godfather Noel Valdes looked for some relatives who may already be lining up. Chiara went with him.  Just a few minutes and he was waving his hand to us.  People were in a huddle as we all waited for the doors of the church to be open.  Chiara was enjoying her time with her great uncles, great aunts, and other relatives.  Nidz, Jackie, and I were next to another uncle (and godfather) Paulino "Sonny" Albano, Papa's oldest brother, the patriarch of the Valdes-Albano clan.  Ninong Sonny was recalling stories of how he heard about Tito Orly's appointment as a cardinal.  I asked him how we became related with the Cardinal as I thought it was through the Beltran side (Cardinal Quevedo's middle name is Beltran; the same surname as my great great grandmother's when she was still single). My uncle explained that it was through the Edralin-Estavillo side; his grandmother (Hilaria Estavillo-Albano) and the Cardinal's grandmother were cousins.

Men smartly dressed approached all those in the queue to remind them of their tickets.  Some of the guests such as Ninong Sonny and his wife Ninang Noemi had special tickets. They were asked to follow the men as they have reserved seats in the basilica. 

The church doors were now open. People slowly made their way passing through security checks. As we entered the basilica, I was pointing Chiara to some statues and pictures.  Ushers were distributing Mass booklets for all churchgoers.  We chose seats near the aisle to have a good view of the Pope. We were quite near the statue of St Camillus de Lellis, patron saint of Nurses. (Just a few days before this occasion, we visited his mortal remains at the Church of St Mary Magdalene situated near the Pantheon.) Filipinos from Cotabato, Tito Orly's archdiocese, sat next to us. For some reason, I didn't see Papa, my sisters Nicola and Kristina, and some other relatives from where we were. I later managed to see my 2 sisters who were sat near to us.

Cardinals and bishops started to arrive. Tito Orly approached a few of us before making his way to the sacristy. In preparation for the Mass, the Rosary was recited. Each mystery was announced in Italian, English, Spanish, and French. The prayers though were in Latin.  Afterwards, the choir led in singing the Salve Regina.  Chiara, with a prodding from her mom, joined in the singing - this caught the attention of my aunt Ching Valdes-Aran and an Italian woman who were both sat in front of us.  Towards the last few lines of the song, I suddenly remembered Lolo Paul, Lola Piling, and Mommy Rosie - all three taught me how to sing this song. I couldn't sing any more.  I just felt my eyes wet.

Mass followed immediately.  I held my breath as well as Nidz's mobile phone while waiting for Pope Francis walk along the aisle. Altar servers, cardinal-concelebrants, and finally the Holy Father.  Pope Francis came across as a simple man. His green vestments and miter were not as ornate as his predecessor's. These simple apparel were matched by the papal ferula - a silver cross used by Pope Paul VI. As he walked past us, I made the sign of the cross. I felt blessed! 

On the right hand side of the basilica, I could see the statue of St Peter sat on a chair. One of the feet of this statue is worn out because of the many pilgrims touching it. During the Consistory, the statue was dressed like a medieval pope with a tiara and cape.  Personally, I would prefer an undressed statue.  First of all, St Peter would not have dressed like that. Second, let's keep things consistent with Pope Francis' simplicity.

The Mass was in Latin, but the booklet has provided English and Italian translations. (I wish though that the Mass was said in Italian. Ditto the Rosary. Italian, unlike Latin, is a living language.) Some readings and prayers were in other languages. The verses of the Psalm were in English. One of the prayers in the Prayer of the Faithful was in Filipino!  The Pope, having only 1 lung, recited all the presidential prayers.  In spite of that, his homily - although in Italian - was full of power. He spoke about the Holy Spirit, underscoring our calling to listen to Him "...who enlivens the Church".  He also mentioned the importance of holiness in the ministry of a cardinal. Furthermore, he reminded that cardinals enter the Church of Rome and not a royal court. To illustrate his point, he enjoined all cardinals to "...avoid, and help others to avoid, habits and ways of acting typical of a court: intrigue, gossip, cliques, favouritism and partiality". Towards the end of the homily, he asked everyone for prayers "that the College of Cardinals may always be ever more fervent in pastoral charity and filled with holiness, in order to serve the Gospel and to help the Church radiate Christ’s love in our world".

After the Mass, we once again huddled near the aisle again to catch a glimpse of the Pope.  As he got nearer to us, some from the crowd shouted "Papa! Papa! Papa!".  This caught his attention and he smiled! 

We proceeded to the piazza for the Sunday Angelus led by the Pope. We met Nicola there as well as Ninong Sonny and Ninang Noemi. While waiting for the Angelus, Chiara had a photo op with an Asian bishop.

When the clock struck 12, we saw the Pope from a far distance (in a window on the papal apartments).  I think the location where the Holy Father leads this Marian prayer should be changed to make him more nearer the people. Being on a window of the apartment where he doesn't reside still shows trappings of medieval power. Why not the balcony of the basilica?

In his message, the Pope mentioned that "in Jesus Christ we are all children of God!" and that "Those who have received a ministry to lead, preach and administer the Sacraments should not consider themselves as possessing special powers, as masters; rather, they should place themselves at the service of the community, helping it to pursue the path of holiness with joy". He later asked people to assist the new cardinals through their prayers: "Pray for us, that we might be good servants: good servants, not good masters!" All of us together....must offer the witness of a Church that is faithful to Christ, animated by the desire to serve the brethren, and ready to go out with prophetic courage to meet the expectations and spiritual needs of the men and women of our time".

It's almost a year when Jorge Mario Cardinal Bergoglio was elected Pope by his brother cardinals.  His first act was to ask people to pray for him.  Let's renew our support to the Holy Father - he really needs it considering the many challenges he is facing: clergy sexual abuse, role of women in the Church, reform of the Roman Curia, family life, to name a few.

Heartfelt greetings, prayers, and best wishes, Pope Francis on the occasion of the first anniversary of your pontificate!  May the Good Shepherd continue to strengthen you so that you may "Feed my lambs...Take care of my sheep...Feed my sheep" (Jn 21:15-17). Viva il Papa Francesco! Noi ti amiamo!

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!

***

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.

Cardinal Orly

Years ago, when I tell some priests that I am the nephew of Archbishop Orlando "Orly" Quevedo, I would receive varied responses: 

"Ah, si Bishop!" 

"Yung Ilokano?" 

"Monsignor (addressing another priest), pamangkin pala siya ni Archbishop Quevedo!" 

"Outside, (but) Most of the time Inside" (the priest making a joke of the Archbishop's religious congregation whose acronym is OMI [Oblates of Mary Immaculate]).  

For me, this last response is the most interesting and intriguing. 

Established in 1816 by St Eugene de Mazenod and 4 companions to preach missions in Provencal, France, the Oblates have grown to 4,440 priests and brothers spread all over the world.  Religious congregations would have their 'specializations' such as education for the Dominicans, but according to the OMI website (www.omiworld.org) their order does everything: "We are not specialized, except in facing urgent needs.... It was enough for bishops to come to our Founder and say to him: "I do not have anybody..." for him to act, re-examine his manpower, cut personnel here and there, and release 2 or 3 men for these new needs. And that continues today still. You see, it is a question of passion, of missionary concern.... ".  St Eugene's challenge to his confreres: "to leave nothing undared" (www.omiphil.org).

In the Philippines, the OMI's baluarte is Mindanao.  It was here that the young Orly grew up after his brood migrated from Ilocos Norte.  It was also here that he had his calling to be a priest.  For a time he was away from that region due to studies, but he was later called back to serve as Assistant Parish Priest in Cotabato Cathedral and later as Bishop of Kidapawan.   He was called to lead the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia for 12 years, but later made a comeback to the south when he became Archbishop of Cotabato, his current assignment.

Outside, but Most of the time Inside.  Throughout his ministry, as a priest and later as a bishop, he faced many challenges that allowed him to be 'outside', to be with the people who are in need: in Kidapawan, during the Martial Law years; in Nueva Segovia during the post-EDSA 1 revolution; and in Cotabato where he pursues inter-religious dialogue among Christians, Muslims, and indigenous groups. According to Ceres Doyo, he was one of the initiators of the Bishops-Ulama Conference (http://opinion.inquirer.net/69673/cardinal-elect-quevedo-a-gods-commando). 

For someone like me who hasn't been in Mindanao and may perhaps have my own (mis)conceptions of that region, I find his ministry truly daunting.  My father once described Tito Orly as "an unassuming and humble man who has survived countless Christian massacres in Cotabato". 

In an interview with ABS-CBN (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/01/25/14/quevedo-wont-leave-cotabato) he said: "I was not worried about myself. I was never in fear of my life when I was there. Even as a bishop, I would go alone to the barrios and go through Muslim territories. I was never afraid because Muslims are friends of mine."

Apart from looking after dioceses and archdioceses, Tito Orly was also President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and Secretary General of the Federation of Asian Bishops Conferences (FABC).  

Outside, but Most of the time Inside.  Though he may be have been 'outside', exposed to serving the poor and being with his brother bishops and priests, he is a man from 'inside'. Thomas Fox wrote: "Bishops in the Philippines and throughout Asia have often deferred to Quevedo to draft papers on diverse issues dealing with terrorism, migration, poverty, and the Eucharist as fundamental community builder" (http://ncronline.org/blogs/ncr-today/philippine-cardinal-architect-asian-pastoral-churches).  And Fr Catalino Arevalo, SJ has this to say: "Quevedo is almost always a member of the drafting committee. The committee would very often give him the documents and he would work all night and finish it up in the early morning. That means capacity for reflection, for putting things together" (http://ncronline.org/news/global/quevedo-red-hat-boosts-hope-local-church).  

Outside, but Most of the time Inside. I was listening to Archbishop Socrates Villegas' Opening Address during the CBCP's Plenary Assembly where he urged his brother bishops to become contemplative bishops of the poor.


Modesty aside, I think Tito Orly is one of those bishops "soaked in prayer as contemplative shepherds of the people freed from fear and rejection, carrying the mark of Christ scourged, crucified yet risen". A shepherd who, borrowing from Pope Francis' words, has the smell of his sheep.

Warmest congratulations and prayerful wishes, Tito Orly on your appointment as a cardinal of the Catholic Church!  It is indeed an honor for our family, but more so to the Christian community in Cotabato and in Mindanao to have one of theirs to be chosen for such a position.  I'm sure that Pope Francis wanted someone from that region to help him in tending the sheep. May the good Lord bless you! May Mary Immaculate to whom you have dedicated yourself without any reservation guide you. Mabuhay!