MANILA, Philippines – Among the thousands of families inside and outside the MOA Arena waiting for Pope Francis, the Bulse family consider themselves blessed. They are inside the arena and will see the charismatic Catholic leader in person when he arrives.
“We’re really happy that we were chosen to be with Pope Francis. This is a very momentous event that happens only once in our life time,” said Marites Bulse.
Seated in her wheelchair, the 37-year-old holds her two daughters while watching artists perform in the arena.
The Bulse family comes from Tahanang Walang Hagdan, an institution that caters to persons with disabilities (PWDs).
“We really brought our children here because we wanted to be an inspiration for other PWDs that family life can be normal despite the challenges,” Marites added.
‘Symbol of hope, compassion’
The Bulse family had just gone through a major storm in their lives. Marites’ husband, Enrico, recently suffered a stroke and is still recuperating.
“Now that I’m here, I don’t feel sick at all. I feel good and all the exhaustion I felt going here is gone,” Enrico said.
Marites said that prayers were their only weapon when her husband got sick. Pope Francis, they added, is as an inspiration of hope and compassion for the couple.
“We saw that the pope’s heart is very close to those who are suffering. His compassion for the sick and for PWDs is inspiring to us. Though we don’t get to encounter him, we feel it in his aura. I know he loves us,” she added.
‘Not for themselves’
Unlike other Catholic devotees who are praying for the Pope’s blessing, the Bulse couple is praying for others.
“I hope the Pope will pray for the many youth who have lost their way and that there would be genuine change in the Philippines,” said Enrico, who also had a rough childhood.
He added: “We badly need peace here in the Philippines, especially in terms of calamities. I hope the Pope prays for that.”
For Marites, the religious celebration is all for her children.
“I want them to be helpful to others, to love others without expecting anything in return. I want them to grow up like Pope Francis,” she added.
The Argentinian pontiff is set to meet with Filipino families in the late afternoon of Friday, January 16. This event is one of the highlights of his pastoral visit. – Rappler.com
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