Mass held at site of Pope Francis’ 2015 Tacloban visit

Philippine News Agency

Holy Mass honoring the life and legacy of the late Pope Francis in Tacloban City (Photo screengrab from Martin Romualdez/Facebook)

MANILA – House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Saturday afternoon led public officials and Waraynons in attending a solemn Mass with church leaders and the people of Eastern Visayas to honor the legacy of Pope Francis’ historic visit to Tacloban City at the tarmac of the New Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport.

The Holy Mass — held in the same area where Pope Francis stood in the wind and rain on Jan. 17, 2015 to offer comfort to a grieving nation — was officiated by Msgr. Ramon Stephen Aguilos as the main celebrant, and Rev. Fr. Mark Ivo Velasquez, Rev. Fr. Paulino Cabahit Jr., Rev. Fr. Engelbert Tiu, Rev. Fr. Goldie Kenn Zabala, Rev. Fr. Aldwin Roy Cabelin Nartea, and Rev. Fr. Michael Kirby Lauron as co-celebrants.

After the commemoration titled “Paghinumdom: A Tribute of Gratitude,” Romualdez said Pope Francis’ visit 10 years ago gave the people of Eastern Visayas not only hope but the strength to rise from the devastation of Super Typhoon Yolanda.

“Pope Francis gave us more than hope. He showed the world how to lead with compassion. He stood with us – not just as a Pope, but as a father to the suffering. His presence gave us strength to rise,” he said, as quoted in a news release from his office.

“He gave us the courage to begin again. When we felt forgotten, he remembered. When we were broken, he came to bless the brokenness. That is something no people ever forget.”

Before the 3 p.m. Holy Mass, a series of videos featuring the life of Pope Francis were shown, accompanied by worship songs performed by the I Love Tacloban Singers.

Attendees said the Mass was not only an occasion for mourning, but a tribute to a spiritual leader who walked with the suffering, led with humility, and offered the world a powerful example of mercy.

The tribute drew Church leaders, local officials, Yolanda survivors, and residents, many of whom braved storm-like conditions 10 years ago just to see the Pope, who had insisted on pushing through with his visit despite the inclement weather.

“Ten years ago, Pope Francis did not just visit us: he stood with us, shoulder to shoulder, heart to heart. His presence was a comfort to our grief, a spark to our resilience, and a reminder that even in the darkest storms, the light of compassion can shine through,” Romualdez said.

He said the tribute was not only an act of remembrance but also an expression of thanksgiving for the inspiration brought by the Pope’s words and presence that have uplifted the spirit of their communities.

“We honor not only the man who came to comfort us, but the spirit he awakened in us: a spirit of unity, of resilience, and of boundless hope. In Tacloban, we don’t just remember the Pope: we carry him in our hearts. His visit was brief, but the impact was eternal,” he added.

“Let us live the message he left with us: to care for the forgotten, to comfort the afflicted, and to serve with humility and love.”