Papal Effect

I was deeply saddened by the lost of our Holy Father, Pope John Paul II.

When I woke up early yesterday, Sunday, at about 9 am, my brother broke the news that Santo Papa died already. I know it was sort of expected because his health was deteriorating these past few days but I was still kind of taken aback. I quickly asked what time and he said 9:37 pm in Rome. Here, it would be past three in the morning.

I went inside my mom's room. She was watching the news, either CNN or BBC. You can tell that she already did her crying. I watched with her, chatted about updates. Everytime the show goes on breaks, they will show a clip on the Pope's past travels or activities and when they showed how Pinoy are taking in this news, I started crying na rin. Non-stop tears for about 2 minutes man! Of course, my mom cried again when she saw my crying.

I cried because I know for a fact that we lost a great man. I cried because I never even had the chance to even touch this holy man. When he was here in 1995, I saw his popemobile but I was like miles away and a lot of people were standing between us. But even then, seeing him pass gave me a different kind of feeling, a very special one. What kind of a person would elicit such a profound effect with his mere presence?

Like Abi and with other chums, I have many issues and anger towards the Church. Growing up with religious parents, I hated the ultra conservatism and strictness in tradtion that our Church observes. Until now.

But I cannot deny the fact that this man has done wondrous deeds and tried with all his might to reach out.

I pray for his soul... Goodbye, Pope.