Pope Francis’ teachings motivate church leaders to venture beyond their comfort zones in evangelizing. This is how Bishop Socrates Mesiona, apostolic vicar of Puerto Princesa, remembered the impact of the pope on his journey as one of the leaders of the two vicariates in Palawan.
Even without much exchange of words, his recollection of a few encounters with Pope Francis in Rome is something special. Despite meeting many people every day, the Palawan prelate recalled the late Pope as someone who had a sharp memory.
“Nong nalaman niya na Socrates ako, dalawa kasi ang Socrates na bishop sa Philippines, si bishop Socrates Villegas. Sabi niya, ‘you’re Socrates junior, the other one is senior’. Sa dami ba naman ng tao na kanyang nakilala, naalala niya pa,” Mesiona said.
The way Pope Francis encouraged church leaders to speak as he listened is very “fatherly” for Mesiona. His pastoral approach built a connection to people, which made everyone feel special regardless of distance.
Pope Francis was expressive not just for the love of compassion but also for standing on different global issues. The encyclical letter he wrote on the environment showed his profound love for it, which also inspires leaders, particularly in Palawan, to stand for protection.
“May impact talaga (Pope Francis’ pastoral approach), even looking at our ministry. Kasi ang binibigyang diin ay mercy and compassion na ‘wag mo husgahan ang tao, ipadama ang habag ng Diyos. May impact the way we approach ministry,” he said.
The impact was shown through the pastoral letters issued by bishops in the Apostolic Vicariates of Puerto Princesa and Taytay regarding pressing issues such as the mining moratorium.
Catholic church leaders in Palawan have been involved in guiding the public with discernment in various concerns, like the plebiscite on dividing Palawan into three provinces and during elections.
Mesiona himself visited the land dispute in Maria Hangin Island between the indigenous community and corporate ownership. The island is located in the southernmost town of Palawan–Balabac.
“Definitely may naging impact on how we also see our priesthood. Sinasabi niya na pumunta kayo sa malayong lugar– huwag kayong tumitira lang sa kumbento ninyo. It also inspires us to get out of our comfort zones dito sa kumbento,” Mesiona said.
Mesiona also offered a mass on Tuesday afternoon, April 22, for the passing of Pope Francis on April 21. There will also be a pilgrimage to the Divine Mercy Shrine in Puerto Princesa, where confessions will be available during the weekend.
Following the death of Pope Francis, the public has been discussing potential successors, including Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle.
Pope Francis has defied the traditional way of choosing cardinals from just big churches as there are now cardinals also even from small islands.
Mesiona said the composition of cardinals is very mixed, and it is difficult to predict who would be the possible successor.
“I think they will discern what the need of the Church is at this time. Ano ang kailangan nating leader? Sino ang sa tingin natin, I think ganon ang magiging discussion nila. Ano ba ang kalagayan ng simbahan ngayon, pangangailangan, and who fits the qualities that we need at this time? Ano ang guidance ng holy spirit sa pagpili,” he said. (RG/PIA MIMAROPA-Palawan)
