Pope John Paul II Beatification Update

ROME – Filipino Catholic faithful based in Rome are eagerly awaiting the beatification of Pope John Paul II on Sunday, May 1.

Seventy-five-year-old Thelma Gaa holds Pope John Paul II in the highest regard for his faith and the good example that he had shown when he was still alive.

When the Pope passed away in 2005, Gaa was among the throngs of people who lined up just to see him for the last time.

“Sa burol niya, wala akong hiniling kung’di ang turuan at makapag-akay ako sa kabanalan lalo na ang aking mga mahal sa buhay at lahat ng kahilingan ko ay natupad," said Gaa.

She said she will attend the mass at the Vatican for the beatification of the Pope on May 1.




Batangas native Mary Maglunog has indicated her wish to attend the Pope’s beatification. She said she learned a lot from the Pope.

“Sa darating na May 1 ay isa pong blessed day para po sa ating mga Pilipino at sa buong mundo dahil ito ang araw na mabe-beatify ang ating Santo Papa na simbolo ng ating Kristiyanismo at simbolo ng ating pananampalataya," said Maglunog.

Even for non-Catholics like Rose Solares, she could not help but admire the Pope.

“We don't share the same faith but we share same ideas. Marami siyang ginawa, iyong katapangan niya, kahit ang comfort ng kanyang lugar para maiayos ang mga bagay na nagkakagulo," said Solares.

- Source