Mabuhay ang Papa!
April 24, 2008 -- Got something to say?
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This is a historic occasion for Filipino American Catholics in the area. It will the first time that they will be participating as a distinct group in welcoming the Pope to the nation’s capital, his first visit to the United States since his elevation to the papacy in the Vatican three years ago. In previous visits by other Popes to DC, the Filipino American Catholic groups in the area were hardly visible. They remained in the background because they were hardly a cohesive group.
Today, Filipino Americans are actively participating in the various programs that are being prepared for the Pope. And two Filipino Americans, Marylou Gonzales and another singer, have been selected to join a choir that will sing the Filipino version of “Jesus, My God and My All” during the communion part of the mass at the Nationals Stadium on April 17. There will be four choirs totaling about 600 who will also sing during the Mass. “It’s a special blessing to be part of the papal mass,” said Marylou who recently rehearsed with 80 others in Maryland.
With entrance to the stadium at a premium, only a handful of Filipino Catholic leaders have been lucky enough to be selected to receive free tickets from their respective parishes. Others, however, will have the chance to see the Pope when he rides the “Popemobile” while moving around in the city.
Many of those who got tickets for the mass have been active in the community. Among them is Ed Tiong who is the founder of the Filipino Ministry of Northern Virginia and who initiated the introduction of “Simbang Gabi” in the area. Ed’s group and volunteer leaders from 25 parishes have been included in the “Welcome Pope” video being prepared by the Arlington diocese. It will be presented to the Pope as part of the program on April 17.
The participation of Filipino Catholics in these historic religious event as a distinct group is a recognition by the Catholic church that they have finally arrived. Share This
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