Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Palo (Agenzia Fides) - "It was a very touching moment, a moving celebration. Pope Francis showed deep compassion with the victims of the typhoon, during the Holy Mass celebrated, in adverse weather conditions, at Tacloban airport", said Fr. Socrates Mesiona, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies to Agenzia Fides. The Pope celebrated Mass in the area affected by Typhoon Yolanda on January 17, on the second day of his trip in the archipelago (15-19 January).
Fr. Mesiona told Fides that "the faithful present listened and prayed in deep silence. I believe that this celebration will give birth to a new hope for people affected by the tragedy of the typhoon".
"The words of the Pope - says the Director - proved, because spontaneous and personal, to be deeply effective. The Pope wanted to share what was in his heart with the survivors and invited to put the sufferings in the hands of Christ and Mary".
The celebration of the Mass in Tacloban is one of the central moments of the Pope's visit to the Philippines. The Mass received much attention of the media and commentators. "It will leave an indelible mark on those populations and across the country", said Fr. Mesiona. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 17/01/2015)
