San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza yesterday said what struck him in Pope Francis’ message at the Manila Cathedral, which was not part of his prepared homily, “was when he emphatically reminded us that if we don't include the poor in our life and ministry, we have not understood fully the Gospel.”

Alminaza, along with Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra and Kabankalan Bishop Patricio Buzon were among the clergymen from Negros Occidental at the mass.

The San Carlos bishop said the atmosphere at the Manila Cathedral was jubilant yet solemn and prayerful. “The Pope's sermon was simple yet profound and cut straight to the heart with a lot of sense of humor though not intended,” Alminaza said.

Another touching moment during the mass was when the Pope during the Kiss of Peace, went down to greet individually some women religious on wheelchairs as well as some old priests, religious and bishops.

“I was deeply moved to feel the personal care of the Holy Father for the infirmed priests and religious. Something deep was stirred within me. I guess the mission appeal on behalf of our sick and aged priests we are doing these days among parishes in Metro-Manila subliminally connected me to this touching gesture of Pope Francis,” Alminaza said.

Bishop Navarra said the Pope’s welcome in the Philippines has been very warm and cordial.

“Indeed it is very inspiring to feel as you look at him that indeed he is a man of prayer,” he said.

Navarra said “I ask our faithful in the Diocese of Bacolod to continue praying for our Holy Father so that, like him, we can all be inspired to live our Christian Catholic Faith with that kind of witnessing which is joyful, determined and courageous.”*CPG

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