Requiescat in Pace, Pope John Paul II

I was raised and grew up knowing only one Pope. I wasn't born yet when Pope John Paul II first visited the Philippines. But in 1995 on his second visit here in Manila, I was excited to be a witness of his magnificent presence.

At 10, I may not be that mature enough to understand his words. As members of the Youth for Christ, my brother and sister were there in Luneta during the World Youth Day Celebration ten years ago. I was with my parents. We parked the car at a gasoline station at UN Avenue and walked our way to Luneta Park. Tiring it was, really.

With and upset stomach, I will never forget that day! My mother was holding my hand for security. We looked for a perfect view as we minggled with other Filipinos wanting to see the Pope. Yes, I was tired but I wanted to see him in flesh. If I could remember it clearly, since we were hundreds of meters away from the Pope, I think we only relied on a big screen near our spot.

I was sleepy and unable to pay attention to his words. I saw a child about a few years younger than I was. He asked his parents to buy him a hotdog sandwich. Envied as I looked at him, I asked Mama to buy me one. She refused to, telling me that it might be dirty and calling it street food. She was right though but she gave in and bought me one. After eating, my stomach was well -- not in a very good condition! I felt sorry that afternoon missing the whole purpose of going there (just because of a stupid hotdog sandwich). We left Luneta right away.

Losing a great man is like losing a part of you. I may not know him personally and vice-versa. But the fact that he loved the people so much is enough proof that he lived his life the best way a man could even done in his lifetime.

He had a sight for human freedom. He was a man created for a mission to unite not only the Catholics but everyone in the world. He was an instrument of peace and compassion in this generation of ours. He strengthened our faith by telling us all not to be afraid as he reached out to people, spreading peace and above all, love.

He was a father to all - forgiving and merciful. I agree to those who say that he'll be called "Pope John Paul the Great", with all the great missions he had accomplished. He was unafraid to oppose to other countries' resolution to war as he endlessly highlighted peace to all.

As he enter to the House of God, we all thank Pope John Paul II for his love and generosity as he took time to remember the needy, the troubled and the sinners of our generation and the generations to come.

Requiescat in Pace, Pope John Paul II. ¿?