By chance and for more than five days in a row now, since
Jan, 15, 2015, I feel blessed to have chosen to buy and read the Inquirer from among the broadsheets. Now I wish to convey my appreciation of its coverage of Pope Francis’ visit—for the glowing, almost full-blown front-page picture of Pope Francis on the first day and the follow-up shine on his photos on the succeeding front pages, his iconic itinerary on the side, and the other, numerous photos and articles written by the Inquirer staff, which covered every possible aspect of his inspiring personhood, authentic service, and his energizing,
role-model effects on the reader.
The write-up that first captivated me was Lito B. Zulueta’s “In tears aboard plane: Touched by papal charism,” (Front Page, 1/15/15) which began with “a wet blanket… rule on embargo on Philippine journalists eager to score a scoop on the papal plane,” but blithely closed with, “The Pope’s charm had become a charism. And there could never be a press embargo on that.” Essentially, it was Zulueta’s release of his deep feelings which elicited the language it needed to echo the likewise spirit-stirring human condition of those who beamed in anticipation of the Pope’s visit.
Zulueta was clearly and completely smitten as we on the sidelines were! I “leaped” with him and I cried as I read his poignant piece repeatedly!
The priceless find is Thelma Sioson San Juan’s “Why you need a Pope Francis in your life” (Lifestyle, 1/16/15). San Juan courageously affirmed what we all have been swiftly enamored with Pope Francis. It is indeed good to have someone like Pope Francis, his ordinariness and simplicity subsumed, who “gives you a feeling of security, a sense of right, even love successfully conveyed; who understands why you have sinned… who restores faith in the goodness of men…” Why, Pope Francis is a good man!
“Exactly what you need at this point in your life!” Priceless utterance for its humble, profound, and public admission that pacifies our oft-unspoken deeply embedded longing of what is true—it “is doable to be good. ” I dream of and cry for such a kingdom!
Michelle Valete’s “Pope Francis the Common Man” unraveled our story (Supplement, 1/15/15): When we common people do our job with all our heart, with all our might, we become real and true. Nothing transitory can match it. That’s why Pope Francis electrifies one and all because he represents us—the unknown, the “nothing.”
Pinoy Kasi columnist Michael L. Tan’s “The Pope and leadership” (Opinion, 1/16/15) synthesized the principles behind Pope Francis’ qualities as a person and leader. When imbibed by educators and school personnel, every student can only be caught up in them. Every person, after all, is a leader all through his life.
My thanks to the Inquirer! What a grace-filled event in our history as a nation! Let’s pray, dream and be good that all of us remain in the everlasting morning light of Jesus!
—ZONIA ANNE C.
ABATO BERNARDO,
zbern2003@yahoo.com