Pope Francis in Tacloban: His Silent Heart for the Yolanda Survivors

I have never felt happier seeing a plane land safely. Up until the eve of January 17, I have been wondering if Pope Francis would push through with his schedule here in Leyte. What if the authorities won't allow him to board the plane because of the typhoon? But seeing him wave happily and tirelessly to the waiting crowd despite the downpour and the howling wind, I knew that he wanted to be here. He was clearly overjoyed that thousands of people welcomed him despite the bad weather.

Yellow hope. Pope Francis wears the same raincoat as the ones worn by the Taclobanons. This image is property of www.inquirer.net. No copyright infringement intended.

Hurrah people of Leyte! The Holy Father has landed safely. This sight on TV made me exhale loudly. And bravo pilot! This image is property of www.gmanetworks.com. No copyright infringement intended.

Hearing him in his homily during his mass in DZR Airport increased my admiration for him a thousandfold. This is the Holy Father, speaking with all humility and speaking from the heart. And I cannot help but be on the verge of tears because I knew in my heart that he was sincere in his actions. He has been with us in his prayers. Seeing the somber crowd from the TV screen, I knew that we who have come toe to toe with Yolanda feel the same way.

Statement made by Pope Francis

Yolanda was fourteen months ago but the memories and the lessons it has taught us will remain forever. Some people may say that we Waraynons are still wallowing in it and that we can't get over it. Dear friends, it's not about being melancholic. It's about the fact Yolanda has left us irreversibly altered for the rest of our lives, especially those who have lost their family members.We remember but we move forward.

We move forward with the knowledge that Jesus is here for us. As imparted by the Holy Father himself in his homily, Jesus is capable of understanding our pain because He himself has gone through suffering on the cross. We are never alone. He never lets us down.

No copyright infringement intended. Image is property of GMA Networks

I remember when Yolanda was ravaging us, I cried, Lord and Mama Mary, please make it stop. But if this is the end of us, know that we lived in faith until the end. We felt so alone then, me and my family stuck in our kitchen. When the winds stopped, we moved to another undamaged part of our house because we knew that the winds will be back again coming from the opposite direction. Lo and behold, there were people outside our gates and soon enough when Yolanda came back pounding there were about four dozen people in our garage. There were babies and toddlers, pigs and clothes. Suddenly I didn't feel so alone. With renewed strength I knew that we could weather the storm together. These were neighbors and strangers alike and I thanked God for sending them in safely. This memory came vividly into my mind when the Holy Father said in his homily that we are like brothers and sisters because we help each other.

When he faced the crowd in Tacloban, he acknowledged with all humility that he doesn't have the words to express himself but he reminded us that Jesus is here for us. Mama Mary is also here for us. And he reminded us too that we all have each other as brothers and sisters. Suddenly I felt warm despite the cold weather. I would have said that it gave me chills if it were possible but nah, let's stick to warm. :)

Brothers and sisters we are all. Image is property of  Rappler. No copyright infringement intended

Yolanda brought him here but it is sad that another storm, Amang, made him leave early. The Holy Father had to go back to Manila four hours earlier than his scheduled departure. I bet many were saddened but I know that the Waraynons would understand that his safety and security is important. His short but sweet speech at the Palo Cathedral even made me smile. He asked for two things: Pray for him and Be quiet. And then the talk about leaving things in the hands of the Mother.

Photo Credit

He leaves the Philippines today, January 19. Many are still euphoric about his visit and suddenly we all want to be good, to do good. He has left us all with so much wisdom. I hope that our desire to follow his teachings transcends the euphoria and even if a month, a year, or a decade has passed, we would still remember him and keep his words in our hearts.

Xo,

Mommie Cassie