Filipinos’ prayer for Pope Francis: Good health, guidance

FAITH CAN’T WAIT Pope Francis, who is visiting the country in January, radiates such a charm that even a standee of his image is sooo “selfie”-worthy for these law students of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila shown taking a snapshot at the Arzobispado de Manila (Archdiocesan Chancery Office) in Intramuros. RICHARD REYES

Ninety-five days leading up to the papal visit, the faithful are praying for Pope Francis’ good health and safety, especially during his visit to the country.

Three out of every five prayers for Pope Francis submitted by readers to the Inquirer are prayers for the 77-year-old Pontiff’s continuous good health.

The “Prayer for the Pope” feature is part of the Inquirer’s 100-day countdown to the papal visit to the country and as a response to Pope Francis’ tweet on his official Twitter account @Pontifex, “Please pray for me,” during the anniversary of his election as the 266th Bishop of Rome.

The question: What is your prayer for the Pope?

“Long, healthy life for our Pope Francis to serve the world and our God more,” Kathlyn Atienza said.

“I pray for the good health, strength and constant guidance of the Holy Spirit for Pope Francis, as he is becoming an effective agent of transformation in the Catholic Church,” said Fr. Paul Arnel Lucero, SMM, from New Manila, Quezon City.

“I pray that the Pope will always be healthy and be blessed by the Lord. May the Pope remain open-minded in dealing with the challenges faced every day by mankind,” said Belen Choi Chiu from Tondo, Manila.

Aside from good health, many of the prayers sent are for the Pope’s safety, especially during his visit to the country.

“I pray for the Pope’s good health and for his safe visit to the Philippines. May his visit comfort spiritually the survivors of Supertyphoon ‘Yolanda’ who lost their loved ones in the tragedy,” said Ian Solamo of Jaro town, Leyte province.

“I pray that the Pope and His influence reach many people and that everyone will see how many things will change if everyone would decide to do good to one another. May Pope Francis and His goodness reach everyone and may it spread continually,” said Rina Misajon from Barangay Mayamot, Antipolo City.

Most of the personal intentions sent by the readers are also focused on the good health and safety of their families.

Solamo’s personal intentions are to be blessed with a child, to pass the civil service exam and for family and friends to have good health.

“I pray that my family be blessed with good health and happiness, and that no harm shall come to them. Lastly, may the families who have lost loved ones find comfort and strength as they continue their journey in life even without the ones they love,” Misajon said.

Readers can still submit their prayers for the Pope through the site https://www.inquirer.net/popeinPH until January 2015.

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