Filipino Catholics recall personal encounters with Pope Francis

Pope Francis served as an inspiration to many Catholics around the world, including Filipinos whose lives were touched by their personal encounters with the late pontiff. 

In Mariz Umali’s report in “24 Oras” on Tuesday, some Filipinos share their experiences on how the late pontiff touched their lives in a very personal way. 

Dulce Punzalan and her mother had dreamt for the musician to be part of the Vatican’s International Meeting of Choirs. 

When Dulce received the invitation she had been waiting for in 2018, her mother was also diagnosed with cancer.

“Sumulat ako sa Vatican, sabi ko sa kanila hindi ako sigurado, please pray that my mom will be able to be discharged from the hospital so I will be able to sing, and this was the dream of my mom,” she said. 

(I wrote to the Vatican to inform them that I’m not yet sure if I can proceed. I also asked for prayers for my mom, that she will be discharged from the hospital so I will be able to sing, and this was the dream of my mom.) 

She said her mother was miraculously healed and that she was able to go to the Vatican where she also met Pope Francis. 

“It was a very deep encounter because not only on a personal level but more on a spiritual level,” said Dulce. “First time ko naka-face to face si Pope Francis nang ganito, harapan, nakausap ko sya (It was my first time meeting Pope Francis face-to-face).” 

Dulce returned to the Vatican in 2024 where she was part of the Philippine representatives among the 8,000 singers from around the world accompanied by a 70-piece orchestra. 

“The power of music enhances and deepens our faith and the talent that is given to us, not limited to music but all the talents given to us, should be shared for the good,” she said. “Because it becomes a voice and a beacon in the darkness especially in the challenges that we face in the world.” 

She also had the opportunity to play ukelele in front of Pope Francis during his visit to the Philippines in 2015. The ukelele was crafted by survivors of Super Typhoon Yolanda. 

“Tinugtog ko sa kanya, naluha siya and then binigay ko na sa kanya,” said Dulce. 

(He was teary eyed when I played it to him and then I gave it to him.) 

Just like Dulce, Fr. Roy Guillen recalled his encounter with the Pope in 2015 wherein he was one of the organizers for his visit to the country. 

“What he says really hits the heart. What he says people can easily and readily relate. So parang ramdam mo talaga na he has a concern (So you can really feel his concern),” he said. 

Guillen said that the Pope really inspired him in his duty as a priest. 

“It’s an expression actually of who he is and what his papacy is all about and yung kanyang mga halimbawa (his examples),” he added. 

Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines president His Eminence Pablo Cardinal David also shared how Pope Francis comforted him in 2019. 

“Noong time na yun I was facing five criminal charges at nabalitaan niya yun. At nung papalabas na siya pa yung nagsabing pwede ba kitang i-bless…then he prayed over me,” he shared. 

(He asked me if he can bless me…then he prayed over me.) 

Despite his passing, the legacy of Pope Francis can still remain alive through many of us by lending our ears and welcoming other people, according to the CBCP head. 

“Pope Francis used to say we can see more clearly only with eyes washed by tears,” said David. 

Many Catholics attended a mass at the Manila Cathedral led by Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula. It was concelebrated by Bishop Antonio Tobias and Papal Nuncio Most Rev. Charles Brown, DD. 

“Throughout his pontificate, our Lolo Kiko was a true father to us and has continued to show his love for the Philippines—not only through words, but through actions. He appointed many of our shepherds—including three cardinals and many bishops—who share his heart for service, simplicity, and dialogue,” said Advincula. 

“I also want to thank all of you the Filipino people for the prayers for our Holy Father especially these last two months. I think that was the effect of all the prayers that were offered all over the world for the Holy Father, Pope Francis. Especially here in the Philippines, by you, his beloved Filipino people. So please continue to pray for the Holy Father. Pray for his eternal repose. Eternal rest grant unto him o Lord response: and let Your perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of all the faithful departed with the mercy of God rest in peace,” said Brown. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News