Pope Francis' First Visit to the Philippines (October 2014)

The Alitalia Airbus plane.

The Pope visited the Philippines in October 2014 in time for the anniversary celebration of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide. Some 3 million people lined the streets to welcome Pope Francis, who arrived on October 23, 2014, days after the Beatification of Pope Paul VI on October 19, 2014 at the Vatican.

The five-day visit was the Pope’s first overseas trip after he led the canonization rites in the first week of October of the same year.

On his arrival, the Pope addressed the youth and invited them “… to [s]ee the world around you with the eyes of Jesus himself! The Gospel says that when he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”

WELCOME CEREMONY: ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS JOHN PAUL II (Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila, Thursday, October 23, 2014)
Dear President Aquino, Dear People of the Philippines,
1. I thank you, Mister President, for your kind words of welcome, full of the warmth and hospitality with which Filipinos traditionally welcome their guests. I greatly appreciate all that you and your Government have done to make this visit possible. For a long time I have looked forward to stepping on to Philippine soil once more. The Filipino people are never far from my mind and heart, and I reach out to embrace each one with esteem and affection. We are indeed old friends, ever since assumed as pope on March 13, 2013.
2. My Brother Bishops, Cardinal Rosales and Cardinal Palma, and all the Bishops – whom I gladly greet in the Lord – expressed many times their wish for the Successor of Peter to share the joy of Filipino Catholics on the Fourth Centenary of the Archdioceses of Manila, Cebu, Caceres and Nueva Segovia. I am here to celebrate with the Catholic community of the Philippines four hundred and twenty years of the organized and hierarchical presence and action of the Church in these Islands. That first evangelization has produced enduring fruits of Christian life and holiness, of civilizing action, of the transmission – especially through a strong family life – of fundamental human and civic values. As the next presidential administration approaches, we should all be convinced that those fruits can thrive even more in concerted action by all sectors of society, in the building of a nation resolutely set on the path of genuine and integral development, and fully committed to the wellbeing of all its citizens, with special concern for the weakest.
3. The thought of celebrating the 29th World Youth Day in Manila, in the Philippines, in Asia, has gladdened me and given me encouragement. The Spirit of God has led thousands of young men and women here and they are now filling the streets of Manila with their youthful joy and Christian witness. A large group of them are right here. I greet each one of you: I warmly embrace every young person here, all the youth of the Philippines, and all those who have come from other countries and continents. At Rio, Brazil, during the last World Youth Day outside Rome, we meditated on the "new life" which comes from Jesus Christ: "I came – he said – that they may have life, and have it abundantly"(Io. 10, 10). Now, here in Manila, we gather to hear him say: "As the Father sent me, so am I sending you" (Ibid. 20, 21). During these days we shall reflect on and pray about what these words mean for each one of you, for the young people of the end of the Twentieth Century, the young people of the Third Christian Millennium.

4. To all Filipino young people, to all gathered for the World Youth Day, I make this invitation: See the world around you with the eyes of Jesus himself! The Gospel says that when he saw the crowds, "he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd" (Matth. 9, 36). The Good News of God’s love and mercy – the word of truth, justice and peace which alone can inspire a life worthy of God’s sons and daughters – must be proclaimed to the ends of the earth. The Church and the world look to young people for new light, new love, a new commitment to meeting the great needs of humanity.
The people gathered in Manila for the annual anniversary celebration of the religious group "Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide" know this. The Church in the Philippines knows that it has a special vocation to bear witness to the Gospel in the heart of Asia. Guided by Divine Providence, your historic destiny is to build a "civilization of love", of brotherhood and solidarity, a civilization which will be perfectly at home among the ancient cultures and traditions of the whole Asian continent.

5. Mister President, members of the Government, and distinguished representatives of the Filipino people: the Church and the political community work on different levels and are mutually independent, but they serve the same human beings (cfr. Gaudium et Spes, 76). In that service there is ample room for dialogue, co–operation and mutual support. You have a very valid and specifically Philippine model of co–operation for development in The Social Pact, formally signed in March 1993. I pray that the "new solidarity" which The Social Pact espouses will be a striking success for the good of the Filipino people, and for the pride and glory of the Nation as a beacon of peace and harmony in Asia. 

6. Cardinal Tagle, Cardinal Palma, Brother Bishops, Deacons, Filipino Brothers and Sisters in Christ: I look forward to celebrating with you in faith the great things done in the Church and by the Church in these Islands over the last four centuries. Together we shall pray that God may continue to protect and guide his pilgrim People in the Philippines!
God bless the Philippines! 

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! 

The Malacanang Palace Grand Staircase

Malacanang Palace Reception Hall -- Photo courtesy of Willard Cheng, ABS-CBN News.

The Central Seminary Chapel of University of Santo Tomas served as a venue for the Mass for the 300 Delegates of the International Youth Forum officiated by Pope Francis.

The following day, October 24, 2014, the Pontiff met with President Benigno S. Aquino III at Malacañang and later celebrated Mass for the 233 delegates of the International Youth Forum at Central Seminary Chapel of the UST. He also gave a 20-minute speech to some 200,000 cheering students and academicians gathered at UST Grandstand and Parade Grounds.

The UST Grandstand, the site when Pope Francis also gave a 20-minute speech to 200,000 cheering students and teachers.

“I see that it is my great privilege to be here, to be here and discover anew this phenomenon I knew before, and today I know better,” the Pontiff said.

Fourth centenary

The Quadricentennial Altar at the PICC Complex in Pasay City, designed by Francisco Manosa. The three sided pyramid roof of this altar was designed to represent the three regions of the Philippines, namely Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Used to celebrate World Youth Day, the altar stands majestically in the field. The pyramid also acts as a dome that marks the holy presence of Pope John Paul II. It takes the form and proportions of the Ifugao house but transformed and stylized to evoke a whole new meaning. All materials used were indigenous and picked to represent Filipino culture and traditions in this celebration.

During this visit, Pope Francis celebrated Mass to mark the 420th Anniversary of the Archdiocese of Manila and the Dioceses of Cebu, Caceres and Nueva Segovia at the Philippine International Convention Center grounds in Pasay City on October 25.

In a private meeting with members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, the Pope made the “strongest comments” defending the Catholic ban on artificial contraceptives. He also condemned the injustice in the country and noted the “increasing” gap between rich and poor.

“When powerful interests promote policies which are against the moral law inscribed on the human heart, they offend the dignity of man who is made in the image and likeness of God,” the Pontiff said. “In doing so, they undermine the foundations of society itself.”

All security and crowd control measures broke down in the pandemonium. Ambulances and buses with Reverend Fathers including Roman Catholic Parish Priests, Pastors, and Parochial Vicars, Roman catholic archbishops, bishops, deacons and monsignors were blocked more than an hour before the Mass was start.

Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III, a Roman Catholic, also had to be helicoptered to the Mass.

The Popemobile: 3rd Generation Mercedes-Benz M-Class W166 used for the aboard of Pope from 2140 Taft Avenue, Malate to Malacanang Park, San Miguel, Manila

The presidential helicopter S-70A-5 

The stage of Quirino Grandstand when the Pope celebrated the Mass

On October 26, 2014, a Sunday evening, Pope Francis arrived at Malacañang Park aboard the Pope mobile from the Apostolic Nunciature on 2140 Taft Avenue, Malate, but was forced to ride the presidential helicopter S-70A-5 along with Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III, Philippine Vice-President Jejomar C. Binay, Sr., Philippine Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes P.A. Sereno, House Speaker Feliciano R. Belmonte, Jr., Philippine Senate President Franklin M. Drilon, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Atty. Francis Tolentino, former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos, former Philippine President and Manila City Mayor Joseph Ejercito-Estrada, former Philippine President and Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Singaporean President Tony Tan Keng Yam, Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Singaporean Supreme Court Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon, Singaporean Parliament Speaker Halimah Yacob, former Singaporean President Sellapan Ramanathan Nathan, former Singaporean Prime Minster Goh Chok Tong, former Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Abdul Halim of Kedah, Former Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Malaysian Chief Justice Arifin Zakaria, Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Former Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri, Former Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, Manila Archbishop-Emeritus Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, Nueva Segovia Archbishop-Emeritus Ernesto Antolin Salgado, Nueva Segovia Archbishop Emeritus Edmundo M. Abaya, Nueva Segovia Archbishop Mario M. Perlata, Tuguegarao Archbishop Sergio L. Utleg, Tuguegarao Archbishop-Emeritus Diosdado A. Talamayan, Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop-Emeritus Oscar Cardinal V. Cruz, Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates B. Villegas, San Fernando Archbishop Emeritus Paciano Cardinal B. Aniceto, San Fernando Archbishop Florentino G. Lavarias, Lipa Archbishop Ramon C. Arguelles, Nueva Caceres Archbishop Rolando O. Joven Tria Tirona, Capiz Archbishop Jose F. Advincula, Jaro Archbishop Angel N. Lagdameo, Cebu Archbishop-Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal J. Vidal, Cebu Archbishop Jose S. Palma, Palo Archbishop-Emeritus Pedro R. Dean, Jr., Palo Archbishop John F. Du, Davao Archbishop-Emeritus Fernando R. Capalla, Davao Archbishop Romulo G. Valles, Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Cardinal B. Quevedo, Cagayan de Oro Archbishop-Emeritus Jesus B. Tuquib, Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma, Ozamiz Archbishop Jesus A. Dosado, Zamboanga Archbishop Romulo T. Dela Cruz, Singapore Archbishop William Goh Seng Chye, Singapore Archbishop-Emeritus Nicholas Gerald Chia, Kuala Lumpur Archbishop Julian Leow Beng Kim, Kuala Lumpur Archbishop-Emeritus Anthony Soter Fernandez, Kuala Lumpur Archbishop-Emeritus Murphy Pakiam, Kuching Archbishop John Ha Tiong Hock, Kuching Archbishop-Emeritus Peter Chung Hoan Ting, Kota Kinabalu Archbishop John Wong Soo Kau, Kota Kinabalu Archbishop-Emeritus John Lee Hiong Fun-Yit Yaw, Jakata Archbishop Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo, Jakarta Archbishop-Emeritus Julius Cardinal Riyadi Darmaatmadja and Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See to the Philippines Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto to get to Quirino Grandstand amid the huge crowd on the streets: from Roxas Boulevard to north and southbound areas of Taft Avenue, T.M. Kalaw Street and United Nations Avenue into Ermita, extending up to Maria Orosa Street, Padre Burgos Drive, Port Area district, Jones, Ayala, McArthur and Quezon Bridges to Plaza Miranda in Quiapo.

The back of the Quirino Grandstand served the arrival area of the President, the Government Officials and showbiz celebrities. 

The World Youth Day Papal Altar when Pope Francis will say the Mass.

The view of Quirino Grandstand

From the Apostolic Nunciature along 2140 Taft Avenue in Malate, Manila, the Pope rode the "Pope Mobile" into Malacanang Park, four kilometers away. From there, the Holy Father boarded the Presidential Helicopter at the back of the Quirino Grandstand at 7:45 P.M.

Biggest gathering

The World's Largest Mammoth Crowd from the rooftop of Manila Hotel

At past 8:00 p.m. of the same day, Pope Francis began the three-and-a-half-hour Roman Rite Holy Mass in English Language that marked the annual anniversary celebration of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide on October 26, 2014. Attended by 4 million people, it was the world’s grand annual biggest mammoth gathering so far in the Pontiff’s 1 year, 9 months and 30 days reign and the Roman Catholic Charismatic religious group’s 36-year reign.

The Mass’ concelebrants included Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, Manila Archbishop-Emeritus Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, Nueva Segovia Archbishop Emeritus Ernesto Antolin Salgado, Nueva Segovia Archbishop Emeritus Edmundo M. Abaya, Nueva Segovia Archbishop Mario M. Perlata, Tuguegarao Archbishop Sergio L. Utleg, Tuguegarao Archbishop-Emeritus Diosdado A. Talamayan, Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop-Emeritus Oscar Cardinal V. Cruz, Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates B. Villegas, San Fernando Archbishop Emeritus Paciano Cardinal B. Aniceto, San Fernando Archbishop Florentino G. Lavarias, Lipa Archbishop Ramon C. Arguelles, Nueva Caceres Archbishop Rolando O. Joven Tria Tirona, Capiz Archbishop Jose F. Advincula, Jaro Archbishop Angel N. Lagdameo, Cebu Archbishop-Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal J. Vidal, Cebu Archbishop Jose S. Palma, Palo Archbishop-Emeritus Pedro R. Dean, Jr., Palo Archbishop John F. Du, Davao Archbishop-Emeritus Fernando R. Capalla, Davao Archbishop Romulo G. Valles, Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Cardinal B. Quevedo, Cagayan de Oro Archbishop-Emeritus Jesus B. Tuquib, Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma, Ozamiz Archbishop Jesus A. Dosado, Zamboanga Archbishop Romulo T. Dela Cruz, Singapore Archbishop William Goh Seng Chye, Singapore Archbishop-Emeritus Nicholas Gerald Chia, Kuala Lumpur Archbishop Julian Leow Beng Kim, Kuala Lumpur Archbishop-Emeritus Anthony Soter Fernandez, Kuala Lumpur Archbishop-Emeritus Murphy Pakiam, Kuching Archbishop John Ha Tiong Hock, Kuching Archbishop-Emeritus Peter Chung Hoan Ting, Kota Kinabalu Archbishop John Wong Soo Kau, Kota Kinabalu Archbishop-Emeritus John Lee Hiong Fun-Yit Yaw, Jakata Archbishop Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo, Jakarta Archbishop-Emeritus Julius Cardinal Riyadi Darmaatmadja, Pontifical Council of the Laity President Stanisław Ryłko, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Most Rev. Teodoro C. Bacani, Jr., Over-all Spiritual Director of El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International, Very Rev. Msgrs. Mariano T. Balbago Jr. of Antipolo Diocese and Mario A. Castillo; and Rev. Fr. Anton Pascual and Rev. Fr. Sanny de Claro, spiritual directors of the El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International, spiritual directors from the international chapters of the El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation namely Reverend Fathers Bernard J. Nolan of Brisbane, Australia; Leo E. Steinbock of Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.; and Thomas Kawamura of Tokyo, Japan, as well as from the Philippines namely, Dwight de Jesus; Remigio Mendoza of Mabini, Batangas; Manheim Abellana, SDB; Eligio Santos of San Ildefonso Parish, Makati; and Stephen Punnakal and Victor Maung Thit of the Our Lady of Assumption Parish, Malate, Manila, as well as from Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, namely, Reverend Fathers including Roman Catholic Parish Priests, Pastors, and Parochial Vicars from several Roman catholic archdioceses and diocese, as well bishops, deacons and monsignors from the different parishes in the Archdioceses of Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, Ende, Kupang, Makassar, Medan, Merauke, Palembang, Pontianak, Samarinda and Semarang and the Dioceses of Malacca-Johor, Penang, Miri, Sibu, Sandakan, Denpasar, Larantuka, Maumere, Ruteng, Bandung, Bogor, Atambua, Weetebul, Amboina, Manado, Padang, Sibolga, Agats, Jayapura, Manokwari-Sorong, Timika, Pangkal Pinang, Tanjungkarang, Ketapang, Sanggau, Sintang, Banjarmasin, Palangka Raya, Tanjung Selor, Malang, Purwokerto and Surabaya and from the Philippines, namely, the priests from the different parishes in the Archdiocese of Manila, Nueva Segovia, Tuguegarao, San Fernando, Pampanga, Nueva Caceres, Jaro, Capiz, Cebu, Palo, Davao, Cotabato and Cagayan de Oro and the Dioceses of Laoag, Baguio, Cabanatuan, San Jose, Nueva Ecija, Bangued, Bayombong, Ilagan, Batanes, Urdaneta, Alaminos, Tarlac, Balanga, Iba, Malolos, Kalookan, Cubao, Novaliches, Pasig, Antipolo, Paranaque, Imus, San Pablo, Lipa, Lucena, Gumaca, Infanta, Romblon, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, Calapan, Oriental Mindoro, Puerto Princesa, Daet, Libmanan, Legaspi, Masbate, Sorsogon, Virac, San Jose de Antique, Bacolod, Kabankalan, San Carlos, Dumaguete, Tagbilaran, Talibon, Maasin, Calbayog, Borongan, Catamaran, Naval, Butuan, Surigao, Tandag, Malaybalay, Digos, Mati, Tagum, Kidapawan, Marbel, Dipolog, Pagadian, Marawi, Iligan, Ipil and Isabela, 195 geographical dioceses and archdioceses in the United States of America, 72 dioceses and archdioceses in Canada, 117 dioceses and archdioceses in China, 7 dioceses and archdioceses in Taiwan, 166 Archdioceses and Diocese belonging to Latin, Syro-Malabar and Syro-Malankara Rites in India, 16 dioceses and archdioceses in Japan and 18 dioceses and archdioceses in Korea..

Scores of government officials and entertainment celebrities and socialites attended the Jesus is Lord Church Anniversary Celebration which was televised live over GMA Network Channel 7.

The guests included: Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III, Philippine Vice-President Jejomar C. Binay, Chief Justice Maria Lourdes P.A. Sereno, Senate President Franklin M. Drilon, House Speaker Feliciano R. Belmonte, Jr., Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Atty. Francis Tolentino, Philippine National Police Director General Alan L.M. Purisima, Manila Police District Chief Leocadio Santiago, Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief-of-Staff General Pio Catapangan, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco, Jr., Commission on Higher Education Chairman Patricia B. Licuanan, Cultural Center of the Philippines Chairperson Emily A. Abrera, National Commission for Culture and the Arts Chairman Felipe M. de Leon Jr., Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board Commissioner and CEO Antonio M. Bernardo, Land Transportation Office Chairman Virginia P. Torres, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Chairman Winston M. Ginez, Association of Broadcasters of the Philippines Chairman Butch S. Canoy, Executive Secretary Pacquito Ochoa, Jr., Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala; communications operations office Secretary Sonny Coloma, Communications and Strategic Planning Office Secretary Ricky Carandang; Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin; Enviorment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje, Jr.; Budget and Management Secretary Florencio Abad, Jr.; Dr. Enrique Ona, health; Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel A. Roxas II, foreign affairs secretary Albert del Rosario, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima, Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio A. Abaya, Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla, justice secretary Leila M. de Lima, labor and employment secretary Rosalinda D. Baldoz, public works and highways secretary Rogelio L. Singson, science and technology secretary Mario G. Montejo, social welfare and development secretary Corazon J. Soliman, tourism secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr., Julia Abad-Razon, presidential management staff; Rochelle R. Ahorro, appointments secretary; deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte, and presidential spokesperson Atty. Edwin Lacierda, former senators Heherson Alvarez, Teresa Aquino-Oreta, Butz Aquino, Nikki Coseteng, John Henry Osmeña, Ernesto Herrera, Loi Estrada, Juan Flavier, Robert Jaworski, Ping Lacson, Kiko Pangilinan, Vicente Paterno, Nene Pimentel, Leticia Ramos-Shahani, Santanina T. Rasul, Jovito Salonga, Helena Benitez, Eva Estrada-Kalaw, Freddie Webb, Edgardo Angara, Vic Ziga, Ernesto Tanada and Francisco Tatad, current Senators Sergio Osmeña III, Pia Cayetano, Alan Peter Cayetano, TG Guingona, Bongbong Marcos, Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Nancy Binay, Lito Lapid, Bong Revilla, Jinggoy Estrada, JV Ejercito, Juan Ponce Enrlie, Ralph Recto and Vicente Sotto III, Majority Floor Leader Neptali Gonzales II, Ilocos Norte 2nd District Rep. Imelda Marcos, Caloocan Rep. Edgar R. Erice, Malabon Lone District Rep. Josephine Veronique R. Lacson-Noel, Navotas Lone District Rep. Toby Tiangco, Maria Theresa B. Bonoan-David of 4th District of Manila, Lucy Torres-Gomez of 4th District of Leyte, Karlo Nograles of 1st District of Davao City, Pedro B. Acharon Jr. of 1st District of South Cotabato and Manny Pacquiao of Lone District of Sarangani, Associate Justices Antonio Carpio, Presbitero Velasco, Jr., Teresita J. Leonardo-de Castro, Arturo D. Brion, Diosdado M. Peralta, Lucas P. Bersamin, Mariano C. Del Castillo, R. Abad, M. Villarama, Jr., J. Perez, J. Mendoza, B. Reyes, Esrelita Perlas-Bernabe and Marvic Leonen, former Manila Mayor and Buhay Party-List Rep. Lito Atienza, former Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim, former Philippine President and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, current Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, former Quezon City Mayor Brigido Simon, Caloocan City Mayor Oscar Malapitan, Malabon City Mayor Len-Len Oreta, Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco, Valenzuela City Mayor Rexlon Gatchalian, Mandaluyong City Mayor Benhur Abalos, Marikina City Mayor Del de Guzman, former Pasig City Mayors Vicente, Soledad and Bobby Eusebio and San Juan City Mayor Guia Gomez, Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay, current Pasig City Mayor Maribel Eusebio, Taguig City Mayor Laarni Lopez-Cayetano, current Pasay City Mayor Antonio “Tony” Calixto, former Pasay City Mayor Wenceslao “Peewee” Trinidad, former Paranaque City Mayor Joey Marquez, former Paranaque City Mayor Florencio Bernabe, current Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez, Las Pinas City Mayor Vergel A. Aguilar and Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan, Tabuk City, Kalinga mayor Ferdinand Tubban, United States ambassador Philip S. Goldberg, Canadian ambassador Christopher Thronley, Spanish ambassador Jorge Domecq, Mexican ambassador Julio Camarena Villaseñor, Bangladeshi ambassador Major Gen. John Gomes, Cambodian ambassador Tuot Panha, Indian ambassador Ram Trasad, Indonesian ambassador Ade Petranto, Japanese ambassador Toshinao Urabe, Korean ambassador Hyuk Lee, Lao ambassador Malayvieng Sakonhninhom, Malaysian Ambassaor Dato Mohd Zamiri Vin Mohd Kassim, Burmese ambassador Aung Khin Soe, Pakistani ambassador Safdar Hayat, Marichu Vera Perez, Rev. Fr. Sonny Ramirez, PAGCOR Chairman Ephraim Genuino, PAGCOR Chairman Cristino L. Naguiat, Jr., former PAGCOR presidents Butch Tenorio and Rafael Butch Francisco, PAGCOR Chairman Jorge Sarmiento, Philippine Olympic Committee Chairman Jose Cojuangco, Jr., Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Ricardo R. Garcia and representatives of businessman Lucio Tan, former Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company president Tony Abacan, retired Philippine Supreme Court Chief Justices Hilario Davide, Jr., Artemio Panganiban and Reynato Puno, Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Bea Zobel, Ayala Land, Inc. president Antonino "Tony" Aquino, Rowena Tomeldan, AC Legarda, Mark Sablan, Joseph Reyes, Maricris Bernardino, Pivi Diaz, Rina Rejanit, Bobby Dy, Manuel V. Pangilinan, Tessie Sy-Coson, Tony Tan-Caktiong, Ramon Ang, Alfred Ty, Arthur Ty, Sari Yap, Lance Gokongwei, Robina Gokongwei-Pe, Liza Gokongwei-Cheng, Isha Andaya-Valles, Myrza Sison, Jo-ann Maglipon, ABS-CBN Corporation Chairman Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III, ABS-CBN Corporation President and Chief Content Officer Charo Santos-Concio, Star Cinema ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc. managing director Malou Santos, Broadcast Head and Channel 2 Head Cory Valenzuela-Vidanes, television business unit head Laurenti Dyogi, business unit head for comedy Linggit Tan-Marasigan, ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc. General Manager Ernie Lopez, Dreamscape Entertainment Television President Deo Endrinal, Roxy Liquigan, Riley Santiago, Robert Labayen, Mark Yambot, August Benitez, Nandy Villar, Rico Camus, Raymond Miranda, Mark Lopez, Maricel Arenas, Happy Mabulay, Darwin Cerrado, Aldrin Cerrado, Dino Laurena, March Ventosa, Chris Lopez, Carlo Katigbak, Leo Katigbak, Paolo Pineda, Bong Osorio, Monchet Olives, Karen Coloma, former ABS-CBN presidents Cito Alejandro and Freddie Garcia, movie and television directors Johnny Manahan, Arnel Natividad, Toto Natividad, Malu Sevilla, Rechie del Carmen, Jojo Saguin, Jerry Lopez-Sineneng, Tots Mariscal, Erik Salud, Ruel Bayani, Ruel Naval, Jerome Pobocan, and Don Cuaresma, 4, 000 Lopez kin from all over the world, ABS-CBN Manila Radio and Sports Division head Peter Musngi, ABS-CBN Integrated News and Current Affairs Chief Ging Reyes and Choose Philippines head Charie Villa, television director Bobbet and son Kobi Vidanes, the members of the Daza, Valenzuela and Vidanes families, Andrew Tan, Beth Lee, Fe Agudo, Washington Sycip, Felipe Gozon, Menardo Jimenez, Sr., Jimmy Duavit, Annette Gozon-Abrogar, Lito Abrogar, Lilybeth G. Rasonable, Regie C. Bautista, Marivin T. Arayata, Jose Mari R. Abacan, Gigi Santiago-Lara, Darling P. De Jesus, Cheryl Ching-Sy, Teresa L. Pacis, Bang U. Arespacochaga, Ali Nokom-Dedicatoria, Kenneth Yang, Sanjiv Vohra, Lily Yu-Monterverde, Wilson Tieng, Philippine Daily Inquirer board chairman Marixi Rufino-Prieto, Philippine Daily Inquirer president Alexandra Prieto-Romualdez, Philippine Daily Inquirer editor-in-chief Letty Jimenez-Magsanoc, United States Embassy spokesperson Rebecca Thompson, as well guests were media agencies and advocacy partners, former Negros and Philippine National Bank board of director, Miguel “Mike” Romero, socialite and television personality Cory Quirino, bag designer Sylvia Santos, fashion designers JC Buendia, Randy Ortiz, Jojie Lloren, Dong Omaga Diaz, Joey Samson, Ivarluski Aseron, Vittorio Barba, Gerry Katigbak, Frederick Peralta, Rajo Laurel, Len Nepomuceno, Hindy Weber-Tantoco, Ramon Esteban, PJ Aranador, Edwin Ao, OJ Hofer, Arcy Gayatin, Tippi Ocampo, Avel Bacudio, Jerome Salaya Ang, Joel Escober, Anthony Nocom, Albert Andrada, Noel Crisostomo, Ronaldo Arnaldo, Kristel Yulo, Happy Andrada, Pablo Cabahug and James Reyes, FDAP designers Johnny Abad, Ricky Abad, Dexter Alaza, Nino Angeles, Delby Bragais, Karen Castro, Kirby Cruz, Ivan dela Cruz, Perry Diaz, Lynn Roxas, Boyet Dysanco, Ricco Escaro, Rocky Gathercole, Genar Gozum, Pristine de Guzman, Adin Lara, Paul Ranier Lim, Noelle Llave, Edgar Madamba, Jontie Martinez, Nikkie Martinez, Ole Morabe, Vivo Nazareth, Dave Ocampo, Lito Perez, Nholie Pilapil, Joyce Pilarsky, Aan Pineda, Raoul Ramirez, Yako Reyes, Rholand Roxas, Edgar San Diego, Fanny Serrano, Edwin Uy, Simon Ariel Vasquez, Geoffrey Zordilla, independent fashion designers Jun Escario, Michelle Sison, Patrice Ramos Diaz, Charina Sarte, Cary Santiago, Dennis Lustico, John Paras, Bea Albert, Eric de los Santos, Maureen Desini, Vania Romoff, Martin Bautista, John/Paul Herrera, Ronald Mendoza, Audie Espino, Sidney Perez Sio, Goullee Gorospe and Raoul Ramirez, country’s design icons Inno Sotto, Auggie Cordero, Pepito Albert, Cesar Gaupo, Lulu Tan-Gan, Mike de la Rosa and Loretto, Efren Ocampo and The Dean of Filipino Fashion Designers Ben Farrales, Atty. Esperidion Laxa, Tony Ferrer, Lawrence Tan, Atty. Joji Villanueva-Alonso, former Ilocos Rep. Roque “Roquito”Ablan, Kapamilya and non-Kapamilya stars couple Iya Villania and Drew Arellano, Bianca Manalo, Sitti Navarro, Jasmine Curtis Smith, James Blanco, Eric Tai, K Brosas, Claudine Barretto and Raymart Santiago, Randy Santiago, G Toengi-Walters, Kean Cipriano, Bamboo Manalac, Binibining Pilipinas 2013 winners Cindy Miranda and Pia Romero, Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago, Miss Universe 2013 3rd Runner-Up Ariella Arida, Katherine de Castro-Cruz, Oyo Boy Sotto, Rowell Santiago, Gretchen Ho, Dominique Cojuangco, Mylene Dizon, Dina Bonnevie with husband Ilocos Sur Vice-Governor Deogracias Victor Savellano, Jericho Rosales, apl.de.ap, Eddie Garcia and Richard Gomez, Sen. Grace Poe-Llamanzares, Sen. Sonny Angara with wife Tootsy, The Philippine STAR columnists RJ Ledesma, Stephanie Zubiri-Crespi, and Tim Yap, The Philippine STAR lifestyle section editor Millet Martinez-Mananquil, Philippine Daily INQUIRER Lifestyle section editor Thelma Sioson-San Juan, Meralco Bolts coach Norman Black, Ateneo men’s basketball coach Bo Perasol and his players Kiefer Ravena, Thirdy Ravena and Von Pessumal, former players Doug Kramer, JC Intal, Macky Escalona, Nico Salva, Bacon Austria, Tonino Gonzaga, Emman Monfort, Frank Golla, Oping Sumalinog, JP Erram and Jai Reyes, Sen. Bong Revilla Jr., William Lao, Mother Lily Monterverde, Sherly Kuan, Deedee Sytangco, Sec. Sonny Coloma, Beth Tagle, Rep. Dax and Midy Cua, Dolly Anne Carvajal-Mendoza, Lily Layug, Arthur Manuntag, Christine Singson, Grace Singson, Tess Daza, Jackie Aquino-Gavino, Joy Melendrez, Tonypet Albano, Maricar Bhel, Reps. Uliran Joaquin, Hermilando Mandanas, Annie Susano and Butch Dumpit, Vanessa Francisco, Annabelle Rama-Gutierrez, Boots Anson-Roa, Snow Tago, Charmaine Yu, Greg Yu, Edmund Lim and Ramon Jacinto, “Million People March” celebrity supporters Ogie Alcasid, Bianca Gonzales and Jim Paredes, Ping Medina, Mariel Rodriguez, JC Tiuseco, Georgina Wilson, Miriam Quiambao, Gretchen Ho, John Lapus, Kean Cipriano Mylene Dizon, Mae Paner, Pinky Amador, Leo Valdez, Arnell Ignacio, Noel Trinidad and Robin Padilla, 1986 EDSA veterans Leah Navarro, Mitch Valdez, and Maan Hontiveros, Megastar Sharon Cuneta and Atty. Kiko Pangilinan, Kris Aquino, Christopher de Leon and Sandy Andolong, Rez Cortez, William Martinez and Yayo Aguila, Lani Mercado-Revilla, Lorna Tolentino-Fernandez, Tirso Cruz III and wife Lyn and son Bodie, Eric Quizon, G. Toengi and Romnick Sarmenta, Kuh Ledesma, Grace Nono, Louie Heredia and Dingdong Avanzado, Bro. Eddie Villanueva presidential campaign supporters Coney Reyes, Karla Martinez, Piolo Pascual, Dolphy Quizon, Jr., Donita Rose, Nonoy Zuniga, Prof. Jeremias Jangad, PBA player James Yap and sons Joshua and Bimby Aquino-Yap, “Fastbreak 2” basketball players  Derek Ramsey, Luis Alandy, Xian Lim, Jhong Hilario, Vhong Navarro, Billy Crawford, Gerald Anderson, Chris Tiu, Young JV, Ervic Vijandre, Gilas cadet player Matthew Ganuelas, and Kevin Alas, BENCH/ family stars and “6200: The Mission Possible Project” personalities Kim Chiu, Karylle, Jeric and Jeron Teng, Enchong Dee, Joseph Marco, Lovi Poe, singer Rachelle Ann Go and Markki Stroem, Mr. Chinatown 2013 winners Sky Yang, Jerome Tan and Randy See; Mark Lopez, Jairus Ferrer, Alec Robes, “Be Bench: The Model Search” finalist Ron Morales; Carlos Concepcion; Yeng Constantino; “Pinoy Dream Academy” Season 2 scholar Hansen Nichols with his twin brother GC, “BENCH/ Rajo Laurel Dos collection” models Sam Concepcion, Rocco Nacino, Steven Silva, Enzo Pineda, Sarah Lahbati and Regine Angeles, America's Next Top Model's Dominique Reighard and Allison Harvard, models-turned-actors David Chua and Miko Raval, Luisito Rabat, GMA Network Artist Center talents Gloria Romero-Gutierrez, Pilita Corrales, Aljur Abrenica, Louise delos Reyes, Mark Herras, Yasmien Kurdi, LJ Reyes, Julie Anne San Jose, Kristoffer Martin, Derrick Monasterio, Barbie Forteza, Bela Padilla, Bea Binene, Max Collins, Rafael Rosell, Glaiza de Castro, Rochelle Pangilinan, Mona Louise Rey, Jonalyn Viray, Kyla Calumpad-Alvarez, Jay-R Silliona, Mark Bautista, Chef Boy Logro, Manilyn Reynes, Angelu de Leon, Mark Anthony Fernandez, Gabby Eigenmann, Raymond Bagatsing, Ricky Davao, Anjo Yllana and Wally Bayola, GMA News anchors and reporters Arnold Clavio, Sandra Aguinaldo, Raffy Tima and wife Mariz Umali, Oscar Oida, Mark Salazar, Jun Veneracion, Chino Gaston, Weatherman Nathaniel Cruz, Media personalities Dong Puno, Chiqui Roa-Puno, Jeanne Young, Cory Quirino, Mel Tiangco and Jay Sonza, Mons Romulo, Tonyboy Cojuangco and Gretchen Barretto, Korina Sanchez, Karen Davila, who came with her sons David and Lucas, Miguel Pastor, Joy Ortega, Edu Manzano, Peping Cojuangco daughters Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski, China Cojuangco-Gonzalez (and her adorable baby Lucia), Mai-Mai Cojuangco, composer Ryan Cayabyab and his wife Emmy, Rowell Santiago, Celeste Legaspi, JM Rodriguez, Arnold Vegafria and Cris Villonco, entertainment news reporters Mario Dumaual and Gretchen Fullido, Gary Valenciano, Dawn Zulueta-Lagdameo, Albert Martinez, Mylene Dizon, Iza Calzado, Vina Morales, Shaina Magdayao, Erik Santos, Ogie Diaz, Gary V’s wife Angeli Pangilinan-Valenciano, Angeline Quinto, Arron Villaflor, Christian Bautista, Basil Valdez, Sam Milby, Gina Godinez, musical director and arranger Homer Flores, music composer Louie Ocampo and wife Jojo, Renna Angeles, Baby Fricke, Karen Santos, Bing-Bing Quiros, Gina Aboitiz, Nick and Lucille Locsin, Paul Campos, Tony and Chingbee Cuenca, Manny Miñana, J. Anton Mendoza, Budji Layug, Royal Pineda, Ed Calma, Milo Naval, Tony Gonzales, Tes Pasola, Kenneth Cobonpue, Ana Rocha, Bart Guingona, Jinggoy Buensuceso, Jaime Chua, Agot Isidro, Liezel Martinez, Rachel Alejandro and Joanna Ampil, volleyball stars Dzi Gervacio, Jem Ferrer, Fille Cainglet-Cayetano, A Nacachi, Rachel Daquis, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Alyssa Valdez, Denden Lazaro, Charo Soriano, Marge Tejada, Melissa Gohing, Mary Jean Balse, Mayeth Carolino, Michelle Carolino, Ella De Jesus, Kara Acevedo, Karla Bello, Stephanie Gabriel, Mae Tajima, Jayson Ramos, Maica Morada, Jed Montero, Michelle Laborte, Sasa Devanadera, Grethcel Soltones, Joy Benito, Rubie De Leon, Mae Crisostomo, Ynna Hao, Tina Salak, JP Torres, Dahlia Cruz, Nene Bautista, Aiza Maizo, Maika Ortiz, Rhea Dimaculangan, Denise Tan, Venus Bernal, Jheck Dionela, Angge Tabaquero, Bea Pascual, Judy Caballejo, AJ Pareja, Myco Antonio, Henry Pecana, Rex Intal, Dindin Santiago, Jaja Santiago, Princess Gaiser, Shiela “Bang” Pineda, Mayette Zapanta, Rosemarie Vargas, Jen Reyes, Angela Benting, Pau Soriano, Peter Torres, Michelle Gumabao, Cha Cruz, Stephanie Mercado, Jeshul Wensh Tiu, Renz Casanova, Joanne Siy, Loren Lantin, Mia Hirotsuji, Pamela Lastimosa, Ingrid Reyes, Jessey De Leon, Carmela Tunay, Chloe Cortez, Alex Cabanos, Patricia Rasmo, Illa Santos, Joanne Bunag, Jacqueline Alarca and Ers Iratay, socialites Baby Araneta Fores, Lisa Araneta, Cacho Marcos, Linda Oledan, Veana Fores, Lorrie Reynoso, Vicky Zubiri, Maricris Zobel, Carol Garcia, Maripi Muscat and Margarita Fores, Anton Mendoza, Monch Cruz, Chut Cuerva, Marcel Crespo, Ipe Cruz of Rogue Magazine, Marco Lobregat, Ching Cruz, Tina Cuevas, Agnes Huibonhoa, Fe Rodriguez, Susan Joven, Ian Giron, Andres Vasquez Prada and Al Tengco, travel friends Pops Fernandez-Nievera, Doris Magsaysay Ho, Gina Lopez, Evelyn Forbes, Marc Nelson, Ricco and Tina Maristela-Ocampo, Rikki and Beng Dee, Philip and Tricia Cu-Unjieng, Sander and Mons Romulo-Tantoco, Philippine National Red Cross Chairman Richard Gordon, Renna Hechanova Angeles, Karen Santos, Bobby and Chingbee Cuenca, Gina Aboitiz, Baby Girl Fricke, Gina Godinez, Maurice Arcache and ace photographer Alex Van Hagen, Jojie Dingcong, Jean Goulbourn, Frances Lim and Paul Campos, Dennis and Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Ernest Escaler, Ces Orena-Drilon, Dyan Castillejo-Garcia, Jackie Castillejo-Guingona, Eric Quizon, Liza Ilarde, Ana Kalaw, Anton San Diego, Raul Teehankee, Pepper Teehankee, McCann Erickson Client Service Director Bernadette Chincuanco, Coca-Cola Philippines Marketing Director Anubha Sahasrabuddhe & IMC Director Yasmin Mallari, Mariko Jacinto, Aye Nuguid, Leah Puyat, Anton Barretto and Jack de Mesa, Coca-Cola ASEAN Business Unit President Manuel Arroyo, Coca-Cola Philippines President & General Manager Guillermo Aponte, marketing director Anubha Sahasrabuddhe and Franchise and Commercial Leadership Director Peter Schaelstraete together with the Coca-Cola Philippines team: Johanna Hife, Steve Little, Rogie Delena, Raymond Villaflor, Teejae Sonza, Jobert Dumlao, Sharon Tanganco, Roki Ferrer, Rachel Cruz, Francis Chua, Franz Decloedt, Yasmin Mallari, Jenny Cinco, Jing Atienza, Criselda Pascual, Mavel Banocnoc, Thess Acuna, Franco Jorge, Stephanie Castillo, Tish Condeno, Jaideep Kibe, Nicamae Baylen, Jenalyn Perez, Barry del Rosario, and Nikki Lee, Suyen Corporation's Nene and Virgilio Lim, Bryan Lim and Suyen Lim, Carlos Chan's children Carlson, Archie, Rinby, Larry, Oszen and Shera, Suyen Corporation Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ben Chan, stylist Noel Manapat, publicist and Enchong Dee and Joseph Marco’s manager Keren Pascual, Korina Sanchez’s manager Girlie Rodis and Star Magic handler Monch Novales, actor-models Victor Basa and Victor Aliwalas, TAPE, Inc. president and chief executive officer Antonio P. Tuviera, TAPE, Inc. chairman-emeritus Romeo P. Jalosjos, TV5 President-Emeritus and The Philippine STAR Chairman Atty. Ray C. Espinosa, TV5 President and CEO Noel Lorenzana, Ariel Fermin, Gary Dujali, News5 head Luchi Cruz-Valdes and Sports5 head and Gilas Pilipinas Basketball Coach Chot Reyes, Former Professional Models Association of the Philippines board members and fashion luminaries Tina Maristela Ocampo, Izza Gonzales-Agana, Desiree Verdadero-Abesamis, Marina Benipayo, Patty Betita, Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez, Den Abesamis, Hans Montenegro, Grace Molina and Ariel Atendido, Robert Mananquil, models Robby Mananquil, and Raya Mananquil-de Leon, and Rissa Mananquil-Trillo with Valerie de los Santos; Ateneo Blue Eagles team manager Paolo Trillo; Current Professional Models Association of the Philippines president Phoemela Baranda also came with Manila’s favourite models Grace Tagle, Bubbles Paraiso, Luke Jickain, Mia Ayesa, Sanya Smith, Mika Lagdameo-Martinez, Antoinette Enciso-Ocampo, Angel Agustin-Co and Marilen Faustino-Montenegro.

The largest gathering attended by more than 5 million people, which of residents from all over the Philippines and 226 countries of the world.

This coverage: "The Pope in Manila", which will be aired live on a nationwide simultaneous hook-up of radio and television stations.

RPN-9 will be the carrying station with the People's Television Network, Inc. (PTV-4), IBC-13, and ABS-CBN Channel 2 hooked up along with all Bureau of Broadcast Services-Radyo ng Bayan radio stations.

Simulcast Live on all RPN TV and Radio stations:

• RPN-12 Baguio
• RPN-10 Iriga
• RPN-12 Bacolod
• RPN-9 Cebu
• RPN-9 Davao
• RPN-5 Cagayan de Oro and
• RPN-5 Zamboanga
• DZRL Laoag
• DZBS Baguio
• DZKI Iriga
• DYKB Bacolod
• DYKC Cebu
• DXKT Davao
• DXDX General Santos
• DXKS Surigao
• DXKO Cagayan de Oro
• DXXX Zamboanga
• DXKP Pagadian
• DXKD Dipolog

and also on ABS-CBN TV stations:

• ABS-CBN Channel 7 Laoag
• ABS-CBN Channel 3 Baguio
• ABS-CBN Channel 32 Dagupan
• ABS-CBN Channel 46 Pampanga
• ABS-CBN Channel 10 Batangas
• ABS-CBN Channel 11 Naga
• ABS-CBN Channel 7 Palawan
• ABS-CBN Channel 10 Iloilo
• ABS-CBN Channel 4 Bacolod
• ABS-CBN Channel 3 Cebu
• ABS-CBN Channel 2 Tacloban
• ABS-CBN Channel 4 Davao
• ABS-CBN Channel 3 General Santos
• ABS-CBN Channel 5 Cotabato
• ABS-CBN Channel 2 Cagayan de Oro
• ABS-CBN Channel 11 Butuan and 
• ABS-CBN Channel 3 Zamboanga

and also live on radio over ABS-CBN's AM and FM radio stations:

• DZMM Radyo Patrol 630 Manila
• DYAP Radyo Patrol 765 Palawan
• DYAB Radyo Patrol 1512 Cebu
• DXAB Radyo Patrol 1296 Davao
• MOR 95.5 Laoag
• MOR 103.1 Baguio
• MOR 94.3 Dagupan
• MOR 93.5 Naga
• MOR 93.9 Legaspi
• MOR 91.1 Iloilo
• MOR 101.5 Bacolod
• MOR 94.3 Tacloban
• MOR 98.7 Zamboanga
• MOR 91.9 Cagayan de Oro
• MOR 92.7 General Santos and 
• MOR 95.1 Cotabato.

The entrance hymn had to be sung before the mass began in earnest. Priest in charge of the event enjoined the crowd to sing, to pray and even to do a "love wave" to help while away the time and to stretch aching muscles

Neither the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila nor the Vatican had prepared for such an eventually. There, was some discussion on whether the pontiff should take a helicopter or a boat through Manila Bay to the Luneta when the sheer size of the crowd exceeded all expectations.

The mass of people stretched from north to south from the Manila Hotel all way down to the Ramon Magsaysay Building on Roxas Boulevard. No blacktop was visible from as far as huge portions of T.M. Kalaw, U.N. Avenue and Padre Faura, three major streets perpendicular to the main road fronting the venue of the Jesus is Lord Church Anniversary event.

Pope Francis, the Bishop of Rome and the leader of the worldwide Catholic Church, delivered the homily.

Vidal, like Tagle, is strongly against the impeachment complaint was filed against President Aquino, the Charter change, the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement, the tension against China over the Scarborough Shoal, the Development Acceleration Program (DAP) and Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam of businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles, the rehabilitation after the Zamboanga siege to the onslaught Yolanda caused in Visayas, the P316-million Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office funds scam, P6.6 billion housing scam of Delfin Lee's Globe Asiatique (GA), P728 million fertilizer fund scam, the construction of major infrastructure projects, the crime rate in Metro Manila including robbery holdups, the high-profile killings, and the onslaught of typhoon Glenda and the 100 million population mark.

During the holy mass, seminarians, parish choirs and guest artists will render praise songs and traditional music. Meanwhile, bands from the Philippine Army and the Philippine Navy will also be on hand to provide music.

In his 1 hour 30 minute homily during the Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide Anniversary Celebration Holy Mass; Pope Francis the First of Argentina praised Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide founder, president and spiritual director bishop Bro. Eddie C. Villanueva for his belated birthday party and for the annual anniversary celebration of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide and for the success of the annual tri-media coverage live on radio and television stations all over the world and on social media.

During the Thanksgiving Mass officiated by the Pope himself, a mass wedding took place, in which 3,000,000 junior and senior couples who had been living together as common-law spouses finally tied the knot.

Representatives of labor, women and children, fisher folk, farmers, indigenous communities and other sectors will join the Villanueva Family in the offertory procession.

After the Mass, the Pope led the Angelus Message followed the Angelus prayer and delivered his farewell messages to the people in Spanish, Italian, French, Russian, German, Korean, Vietnamese, Standard Mandarin, Hong Kong Cantonese, Malay, Indonesian, Japanese, Filipino, Ilokano, Ibanag, Ibaloi, Pangasenese, Kapangpangan, Central Bikolano, Waray-Waray, Cebuano, Butuano, Chavacano and English.

The Holy Mass was ended with the final blessing.

Bishop Teodoro C. Bacani, the spiritual adviser of El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International, Inc. and bishop-emeritus of Novaliches, spoke briefly to the crowd on how their charismatic movements and the Catholic hierarchy could differ on certain issues but remain united on basic Catholic tenets.

“We may agree on our politics, but we are united in faith,” Bacani said in Pilipino in his message just before midnight.

He then quoted a Catholic saint who said: “If there is doubt, let there be differences.”

Bacani, who had earlier joined the Makati anti-Charter change and anti-pork barrel rally, told the crowd that Cardinal Tagle had asked him to relay his birthday greetings to Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide founder, president and spiritual director Bishop Bro. Eddie Villanueva, who celebrated his birthday on October 6.

He asked the crowd to show their appreciation for the Asia's 36 archbishops--Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal G. Tagle, Manila Archbishop-Emeritus Gaudencio Cardinal B. Rosales, Nueva Segovia Archbishop Emeritus Ernesto Antolin Salgado, Nueva Segovia Archbishop Emeritus Edmundo M. Abaya, Nueva Segovia Archbishop Mario M. Perlata, Tuguegarao Archbishop Sergio L. Utleg, Tuguegarao Archbishop-Emeritus Diosdado A. Talamayan, Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop-Emeritus Oscar Cardinal V. Cruz, Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates B. Villegas, San Fernando Archbishop Emeritus Paciano Cardinal B. Aniceto, San Fernando Archbishop Florentino G. Lavarias, Lipa Archbishop Ramon C. Arguelles, Nueva Caceres Archbishop Rolando O. Joven Tria Tirona, Capiz Archbishop Jose F. Advincula, Jaro Archbishop Angel N. Lagdameo, Cebu Archbishop-Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal J. Vidal, Cebu Archbishop Jose S. Palma, Palo Archbishop-Emeritus Pedro R. Dean, Jr., Palo Archbishop John F. Du, Davao Archbishop-Emeritus Fernando R. Capalla, Davao Archbishop Romulo G. Valles, Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Cardinal B. Quevedo, Cagayan de Oro Archbishop-Emeritus Jesus B. Tuquib, Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma, Ozamiz Archbishop Jesus A. Dosado and Zamboanga Archbishop Romulo T. Dela Cruz.

''We love you Cardinal Tagle, we love you Cardinal Vidal, we love you Cardinal Palma, we love you Cardinal Rosales,'' Bacani and the El Shaddai members chorused.

At 12 midnight, Monday, October 20, 2014, a 30-minute fireworks display set up by Dragon Fireworks, Inc. for P120, 000 lit the night sky.

Fireworks will also follow the President's Jesus is Lord Church Anniversary celebration speech.

The El Shaddai members were expected to be kept awake until an 8 a.m. breakfast Monday, October 20, staying up to listen to the evangelical talks, religious testimonies and gospel hymns which are common fare at their weekly Family Appointment.

A candlelight ceremony was held followed by the delivery of the healing message of El Shaddai founder and servant-leader Bro. Mike Z. Velarde.

El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International, Inc. founder and servant-leader Bro. Mike Z. Velarde delivered a three-hour “worship and healing prayer rally” at 4 a.m., Monday, October 20 to the El Shaddai DWXI-PPFI and Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide members still gathered at Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park before dawn October 20.

In his healing message, he expounded that to attain a lasting unity in our society; every Filipino should reconcile to God and to one another, love one another, and learn to accept one another. He concluded his message with a healing and deliverance prayer which included five particular intentions, as follows: that God forgive the sins of our nation; that He grant us the freedom we seek in our land; that He grant us “amnesia” from the past and the courage to look forward to our future with faith, love and unity; that He grant divine wisdom and extra-ordinary courage to President Benigno S. Aquino III so he could continue his vision of ASEAN Economic Community 2015 and Philippines 2016; and that God grant to all of us the extraordinary power to remain firm in our faith.

So effective was President Benigno S. Aquino III’s portrayal of himself as the underdog and victim in the ongoing debate on Charter change, the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement, the tension against China, the Development Acceleration Program (DAP) and Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam of whistle-blower Janet Lim-Napoles, P6.6 billion housing scam of Delfin Lee's Globe Asiatique (GA), P728 million fertilizer fund scam, the construction of major infrastructure projects, the crime rate in Metro Manila including robbery holdups, the passage of the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill, the alleged suppression of the press, the resurgence of the Marcos family, the carjacking cases and high-profile killings and incidents, in Metro Manila, the massacre in Atimonan, Quezon; his order to stop support to the Officers’ Ladies Club; the plunder charges filed against Philippine National Police Director General Alan L.M. Purisima before the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with the alleged anomalous deal the PNP entered into with a courier service; disappointment among legitimate firearms holders over the stricter issuance of permit to carry firearms outside residence and license to own and possess firearms; the P316-million funds from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, extend the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) by five years, the transfer of assignment of Task Force Tugis chief Senior Superintendent Conrado Capa after the arrest of Globe Asiatique president Delfin Lee; and the spate of killings nationwide, the Bohol Earthquake rehabilitation, the Yolanda rehabilitation that Velarde and Villanueva said he consoled him after Mr. Aquino's speech on Saturday, October 25.

“I told the President, don't be provoked by those who try to provoke you,” Velarde, speaking in Pilipino, told the crowd which had grown during the night, spilling over from Roxas Boulevard to north and southbound areas of Taft Avenue, T.M. Kalaw Street and United Nations Avenue into Ermita, extending up to Maria Orosa Street, Padre Burgos Drive, Port Area district, Jones, Ayala, McArthur and Quezon Bridges to Plaza Miranda in Quiapo.

In the early morning of Monday, October 27, thousands of doves for peace and prosperity were released by the attendees.

The gathering ended at 8:00 a.m., Monday, October 27.

El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International, Inc. founder and servant-leader Bro. Mike Z. Velarde, Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide founder, president and spiritual director Bishop Bro. Eddie C. Villanueva and Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III were having dinner in the VIP Lounge at the Quirino Grandstand on Sunday, October 19 when the two charismatic leaders advised tolerance. El Shaddai founder and servant-leader Bro. Mike Z. Velarde and Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide founder, president and spiritual director Bishop Bro. Eddie C. Villanueva is the President’s spiritual adviser since 2010.

Velarde and Villanueva enjoined his followers: “Let us pray for those that oppress us,” referring both to the President's critics and those who have questioned the Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide's timing of its October grand annual anniversary celebration and prayer assembly to coincide with the Makati rally over the Development Acceleration Program (DAP) and Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam.

Villanueva’s birthday coincides with Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide’s anniversary celebration. It has traditionally been held on the Second or Third Saturday nearest October since 1979. He was born on October 6, 1932 in Bocaue, Bulacan to Joaquin T. Villanueva and Maria Cruz-Villanueva, both now deceased. (The elder Villanueva was a former Olympic sprinter who represented the Philippines in the Far Eastern Games for four consecutive years in 1924).

Pastor Almeda, Pastor Quiboloy, Bro. Velarde, Bro. Villanueva, Bro. Bo Sanchez, Bro. Eli C. Soriano and Iglesia ni Cristo executive director Bro. Eduardo V. Manalo have expressed support for Development Acceleration Program (DAP) is limited to the economic provisions.

But Velarde, Villanueva, Sanchez, Almeda was not about to clash head on with the Catholic Church, specifically Cardinal Tagle, on the issue of Charter change, the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement, pork barrel scam, the illegal rice smuggling, the construction of major infrastructure projects and extrajudictorial and high-profile killings. Instead, they asked El Shaddai, Iglesia ni Cristo, Light of Jesus, Members of Church of God International and Jesus is Lord members to pray for the Cardinal's health, “So he may become stronger.”

He told his followers: “There is a time for anger and there is a time for love.”

But the INQUIRER learned that apart from its weekly scheduled gathering every Saturday and Sunday, El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International wrote the National Parks Development Committee to reserve on July 26, or five days after Mae Paner announced the pro-democracy rally in Makati.

The following morning, October 27, the Pope left Manila for Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea. In his farewell speech before some 10,000 people at the old Manila International Airport, the Pontiff said: “The Pope feels so well in the Philippines that he looks at another opportunity perhaps to return.”

He added: “I take with me a thousand images of the Filipino people.”


FAREWELL CEREMONY: ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS (Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Pasay City, Metro Manila, Monday, October 20, 2014)

Dear Filipino Friends,

My Pastoral Visit to the beautiful Philippines is now at an end. I wish to thank everyone for the warmth and graciousness of the hospitality I have received from the first moment of my arrival. In a special way I am grateful to His Excellency President Aquino and the members of the Government for their close participation in each stage of the visit. I cordially thank Cardinal Tagle and Cardinal Palma and all my Brother Bishops of Asia and their collaborators for making my pilgrimage to the Church in these Islands such a fruitful and joyful celebration of our faith in Jesus Christ. I thank everyone who took part in the Masses and other events, those who organized them, those who maintained order and security, those who have worked to broadcast and televise the events, those who in any way served the needs of so many pilgrims. May God reward each and every one, each one of you!

With particular affection I say thank you to the young people who have been the main actors in the Jesus is Lord Church Anniversary Celebration. How can we explain or measure the mysterious working of divine grace in so many generous young hearts? The Lord described the Kingdom as a seed which a man sowed, and which then produced a rich harvest. Here, the seed had already fallen on rich soil. Many people – parents, teachers, catechists, Religious, priests – have kept watch over the seed of faith and helped it grow. And God gives the increase (cf. 1 Cor. 3:6). How far will it grow? How wide will it spread from here through the immense human geography of Asia? This is the challenge and the task which the people of the Tenth World Youth Day and the whole Church, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Sports and Politics in the Philippines have taken up and will carry into the next presidential administration in 2016. All of this fills my heart with gratitude and joy. I will continue to have boundless hope in the youth of the Philippines and of the world: Christ is working through them for the new springtime of Christianity on this continent. We see the early stages of the planting; others will rejoice in the rich harvest.

I take with me a thousand images of the Filipino people. I know your desire for greater justice and a better life for yourselves and your children. No one can underestimate the difficulties you face and the hard work that lies ahead. Above all, no one should pull back from the great demand of real and effective solidarity, a new solidarity between individuals, in families and throughout society. There has to be progress in sharing. There has to be a renewed sense of responsibility of everyone for everyone else; we are, each of us, our brother’s keeper. May God help you to follow the path you have already begun: towards a continuing development that preserves and promotes the true values of your Filipino culture! 

My parting wish can be none other than the one I expressed for you when I came here almost fourteen years ago: may you always enjoy peace in your hearts and in your homes; may justice and freedom reign throughout your land; and may your families be faithful forever, united in joy and love! 

May God bless you all! God bless the Philippines! Mabuhay!

Meanwhile, environmentalists and community leaders around Quiapo area are calling for an annual “green” celebration of the anniversary of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide.

Local leaders and the environmental network Ecowaste Coalition urged devotees and visitors to couple their devotion to the Jesus Christ, our Lord, and our Savior with respect for the environment.

The call came as participants leading to the annual anniversary celebration of the religious group on October every year since October 1979.

“Combining our people’s amazing devotion to the Jesus Christ our Lord with action respecting, nurturing and defending Mother Earth will be a powerful force of hope and deliverance against those who trash and ruin the environment,” Tin Vergara, Zero Waste Campaigner of the EcoWaste Coalition, said.

“If the millions of devotees who come to Rizal Park and Quiapo will simply not litter and avoid waste in all its forms, we’ll have a feast that is pleasing to the eyes and pleasing to the Lord,” she added.

Past celebrations in 35 years have seen truckloads of garbage collected from Rizal Park to Port Area to Ermita to Quiapo that included cigarette butts, candy and snack wrappers, plastic bags, cups, bottles and straws, polystyrene food containers and bamboo skewers that often cause injuries to barefooted participants.

References:
http://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2013/08/26/1137181/celebs-join-support-million-people-march