San Jose Church to hold Mass to mark papal visit

In an effort to be a part of the papal visit in the Philippines, a Mass will be celebrated on Jan. 18, 2015, at the San Jose Parish Church on Saipan, at 6pm, said Dr. Celia Lamkin, chairperson of the U.S. Pinoys for Good Governance Marianas chapter and Global Filipino Diaspora Marianas for CNMI and Guam.

“Since we cannot be physically present to welcome and see the Pope personally when he visits our beloved country, the Philippines, on Jan. 15-19, 2015, we can be one with him and our kababayans [compatriots] by setting our minds and hearts in communion with our dear Pope Francis, the messenger of peace, love, and the apostle of the poor and by participating in the celebration of the Eucharist this Jan. 18, 2015. This is a simultaneous celebration at his Concluding Mass at Quirino Grandstand in Rizal (Luneta) Park this coming Sunday,” said Rev. Fr. Rey Rosal, parish priest of San Jose Church, the one who will celebrate the Mass.

“I spearheaded this initiative in collaboration with Rev. Fr. Rey Rosal so that Filipinos on Saipan and the rest of the CNMI can participate during the visit of His Holiness Pope Francis in the Philippines despite our physical absence in our homeland. This is another event for all the Filipinos to unite, help, and support one another, show love, compassion, and mercy to kababayans regardless of religious affiliations, ethnicity, citizenship, beliefs and backgrounds,” said Lamkin.

The theme of the papal visit to the Philippines is “Mercy and Compassion.”

“Our compassionate shepherd comes to show his deep concern for our people who have gone through devastating calamities, especially in the Visayas area. He comes to confirm us in our faith as we face the challenges of witnessing to the Joy of the Gospel in the midst of our trials. When the Pope comes, he will bring with him the message of the mercy and compassion of God. May he see in us a people touched by the mercy of God, living out the compassion of God, a people truly rich in mercy and compassion and grateful to those who have shown mercy to us especially after various calamities hit our country,” added Rosal.

Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the real name of Pope Francis, was born on Dec. 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. On March 13, 2013, he became the successor of Pope Benedict XVI .

His Holiness Pope Francis is known for his concern for the poor, humility, and his commitment in closing the gaps and building bridges between people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and faith. By spreading the simple messages of God’s boundless love and mercy, he has captured the attention of the world.

“To all Filipinos here on Saipan, the most distinctive way to prepare spiritually for the coming pastoral visit of Pope Francis is for us to become a people rich in mercy. Let us make mercy our national identity. Trust in God’s mercy is part and parcel of our traditional Filipino Christian culture. Let us make the practice of mercy our gift to the Pope and be one with our kababayans as they welcome Pope Francis in the Philippines,” said Rosal. “Let us pray for his safety and security as he visits our country.”

All members of the CNMI community are invited to attend. (PR)