Our special saint

A national daily called it “The Greatest Show on Earth”, which was a bit irreverent, considering that that was the title of a movie in the 1970s or 80's about a circus, but, well, the ceremonies for the canonization of two former heads of the church could be called a show, indeed, but a show of faith. For me, however, yesterday's rites were not even as dramatic or “showy” as the ceremonies for the burial, or even the elections of popes had been.

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It can also not be denied that this was one ceremony that was watched by millions all over the world, and not only by Catholics, most of whom would have gladly flown off to Rome for the occasion, if their pockets, or their health, would allow them. Thanks to modern communication facilities, we were able to watch, as if we, too, were there at the historic St. Peter's Square, seeing the thousands of officials of the church, heads of state, and ordinary people, many of whom, reports said, had stayed in the square all night, to be sure of getting a good view of the rites.

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Who would not be touched to be able to witness this very unusual event? For Catholics, this is the very first time that they would see two human beings, men they had actually seen or even touched in their lifetime, become saints. All others they know had been dead, some for several decades, before they attained sainthood. So it is no wonder that Catholics were excited and inspired by the ceremony. For Filipinos, it was as if a longtime friend of theirs had been sainted. Only two popes have visited their country, and one of them became a saint!

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For those who wonder, or who may have expressed some objection to the very fast canonization of John Paul II, perhaps they have forgotten that even during the rites for his interment, the crowds, and people all over the world were calling for it already. Remember the chorus and chants of “Santo Subito!”? Those were calls for the fast canonization of the beloved pope, and, thankfully, the present one, Pope Francis has seen to it that it happened.

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It was also very impressive to see how disciplined, and how fervently, those present prayed and followed the ceremony. Surprisingly, the actual declaration by Pope Francis of the new stature of Popes John Paul XXIII and John Paul II was very brief, but very solemn and so touching, it caused goose pimples in many. How beautiful it was to witness, albeit only through television, those historic rites. For us Filipinos, the feeling was different, because we feel we had personally known Pope John Paul II, because he had shown his love for us by coming to our country two times!

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It is no surprise, therefore that, while the canonization in Rome reportedly gathered about 800,000, the gathering for him in Manila had four million! And it was there that the chants of “John Paul II, We love you” had first been chorused. And where he had captured the hearts of the young people who initiated that, by replying: “John Paul II, Loves you too!” Isn't it a wonder that we feel that we were special to him, to this very holy man?

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Meanwhile, it was so providential that the capture of the fugitive, Cedric Lee and his companion and co-accused, took place the day before the canonization. It therefore was not able to detract from the solemnity and importance of canonization day. I am sure all Filipinos hailed the success of the NBI and the police in capturing Lee who, despite his excuses, must really have been trying to flee when he was cornered in Samar. Who can believe his claims that he was there on business, and that he was not fleeing from the law when he jumped over the fence because he thought it was NPA rebels after him? Humph!

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I also do not think the visit of U.S. President Barack Obama to Malaysia had deflected attention from the canonization. Between you and me, I think his speech there was not very interesting, and even his lengthy question-and-answer session with young journalists was not at all exciting. Wait until he encounters Pinoy media people today – if he will entertain them, that is. By the way, Mayor Erap Estrada is sulking, kuno, because the scheduled laying of flowers at the Rizal Park by Obama with him has been cancelled. Well, he must know what the usual “Down with U.S.A.” groups are planning, so he will just have to content himself with being at the Palace reception. Anyway, Obama must have been briefed about his recent coup in Hongkong and will probably congratulate him. Wouldn't that be good enough for Erap?*

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