TACLOBAN CITY (PIA) — A family in Tacloban City who was personally met by Pope Francis during his visit in 2015 mourn his passing and recall on the graces they have received since that drenching fateful day when the Pontiff went down from his Pope mobile and met with them.
Jenita Aguilar, 54 years old, said she broke into tears after learning of the Pope’s death over the internet which led her to recall the hope the Pope brought to their family as they struggled to recover after the onslaught of Super Typhoon Yolanda.
(Jenita Aguilar paid tribute to the late Pope Francis through conveying how he still remains in the hearts of people even after passing away. Photo: PIA Leyte)
(Jenita Aguilar, along with her family, was one of those who have been personally blessed by the late Pope Francis at the Archdiocese of Palo on January 17, 2015. Photo: PIA Leyte)
“He gave us so much courage during his visit. Even during the time that we struggled to build back our lives, that moment provided us hope that we will overcome,” Jenita said.
Jenita’s sisters and their kids met the Pope in front of their devastated home located along the highway in San Jose village where the Pontiff’s caravan passed from the Airport to Palo town.
After hearing of the Pope’s news, Aguilar gathered together briefly with her nieces and nephews, recalled the events of that fateful day and shared how blessed their family was for meeting the Pope among the many who lined the streets under heavy rains.
Jenita’s nieces and nephews, now young adults, said it’s only now that they have fully comprehended the impact of that moment with the Pope 10 years ago when he personally interacted, touched and kissed them.
Jason Sianosa, now 22 years old, said he may have been very young when he met the Pope but stories of his visit live with them, shared by his mother, aunts and uncles.
His sister, born seven months after the Pope’s visit, was also named Franchesca in honor of the pontiff.
Franchesca, who is now 10 years old, said she is happy she has been named after Pope Francis and that before her mother’s passing, she has been instilled with the values and devotion to the Catholic faith.
Outpouring of loss and mourning abound from many individuals whom Pope Francis got in touch with during his visit to Leyte in 2015. The Palo Archdiocese has also urged the faithful to pray for the eternal rest of Pope Francis, a strong spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church and a guiding light of compassion, faith, and peace. (ACR/PIA Leyte)
