Orphans, youths to welcome Pope Francis as he arrives in Manila  
November 27, 2014 10:43am
Some 1,200 youths led by two orphans will greet Pope Francis as he arrives in the Philippines at dusk of Jan. 15 for his four-day visit.
 
This was disclosed by Parañaque Bishop Jesse Mercado, chairman of the arrival-departure committee, at a media briefing Thursday.
 
"When he disembarks from the plane, 1,200 young men and women will greet him with vibrant music and dance. Two children will offer him flowers. They will be orphans who have come to know God as our Father through the love and care of selfless men and women," Mercado said in a statement read by Fr. Joselito Jopson, executive secretary of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines episcopal commission on social communications.
 
Mercado added the Pope is arriving at dusk of Jan. 15. Th Pope's visit is from Jan. 15 to 19.
 
The Pope is expected to have engagements in Manila and in Leyte, which was devastated last year by super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).
 
"Despite the gathering darkness we plan to brighten the night with warmth of our love," Mercado said.
 
For his part, Ambassador Marciano Paynor Jr. reiterated President Benigno Aquino III's commitment to the visit of the Pope and offering the resources of government in very close collaboration with the Church.  Joel Locsin/RSJ, GMA News

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