Family visited by Pope Francis in Tacloban prays for his fast recovery
Pope Francis (R) wears a plastic poncho as he waves to well wishers after a mass in Tacloban on January 17, 2015. Pope Francis will spend an emotional day in the Philippines on January 17 with survivors of a catastrophic super typhoon that claimed thousands of lives, highlighting his concern over climate change. AFP
TACLOBAN CITY — A family, who unexpectedly met Pope Francis in this city 10 years ago, has been praying for his recovery.
“We learned about the Pope’s condition through social media, and since then, we have been praying daily for him,” said 54-year-old Jenita Aguilar in an interview on March 4 at their home in Pope Francis-SM Cares Village, a resettlement site in Barangay New Kawayan for survivors of Super Typhoon “Yolanda” (international name: Haiyan).
Aguilar expressed confidence that their prayers would help the Pope regain his strength.
During his historic visit on Jan. 17, 2015, Pope Francis made an unexpected stop at the home of Aguilar in the San Jose district, the area worst hit by the strongest typhoon to hit inland.
The visit took place on his way to the cathedral in Palo town, Leyte.
“I still remember the moment we met him. His hands were so soft, and his voice was gentle. He placed his hands on our heads as he blessed us,” Aguilar recalled.
The visit, she said, was a complete surprise.
“We were just outside our house in Barangay 86, San Jose, waiting for the Pope’s convoy to pass by when suddenly, he stopped at our home. No one had informed us that he would be visiting,” she said.
The encounter lasted only a few minutes but left an indelible mark on them.
Aguilar said one of the Pope’s security personnel handed to them a rosary which they placed on their altar as a cherished souvenir.
Aside from Aguilar, Pope Francis also blessed her husband, Ruby, 48, their daughter Elizabeth, and the families of her three siblings.
The Aguilar family’s joy was bittersweet as they had suffered a devastating loss during Yolanda.
Their son, Rodgen, who was seven years old then, was swept away by the storm surge.
“We were taking shelter at the house of a relative when the storm surge hit us, and I lost my grip on him. We searched for his body, but we never found him,” Aguilar said.
Some of their relatives also perished in the typhoon.
Since May 2015, the Aguilars have been living in Pope Francis-SM Cares Village, one of the resettlement communities established for the typhoon’s survivors.
In February, Archbishop John Du of Palo called on the faithful to pray for the immediate recovery of Pope Francis, the only Pontiff to have ever visited Eastern Visayas.
“Our continued prayers and Masses offered for his health and well-being are our powerful way of showing our love for the Holy Father,” he said.
The archbishop said Pope Francis’ visit to Leyte brought a profound sense of hope and solidarity to communities affected by Yolanda, which devastated the region on Nov. 8, 2013.
“His presence as the vicar of Christ served as a powerful symbol of God’s mercy and compassion, reminding us that we are not alone in our collective efforts of healing and rebuilding,” he added.
During his visit, the Pope presided over a Mass in Tacloban attended by more than 200,000 people despite a typhoon that hit the province then.
He also visited the Palo Cathedral and met with families affected by Yolanda.
According to the Vatican, Pope Francis, 88, is being treated for double pneumonia and early kidney failure, requiring high-flow oxygen therapy.
Despite his serious health issues, he has remained alert and communicative, attending Mass and expressing gratitude for the global outpouring of prayers and support.
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