Filipino families inspired, challenged by Pope Francis’ message

MANILA, Philippines – During Pope Francis’ speech at the Mall of Asia Arena, Filipino families hear about the value of family ties that transcend cultural and religious differences.

David Lozada reports.

POPE FRANCIS: Every threat to the family is a threat to society itself. The future of of humanity, as John Paul II said, passes through the family. The future passes through the family!

Catholic faithfuls from all over the Philippines gathered here in the Mall of Asia Arena to hear the message of Pope Francis to Filipino families. It was a solemn meeting that drew high-spirited reactions from devotees.

The charismatic pope spoke about the importance of keeping the family together in the face of hard challenges and changing times.

Some pilgrims who came all the way from Ifugao says the pope’s message was both an inspiration and a challenge for their family.

ROCKY BAGILAD, DEVOTEE: In our family, yung sinabi ni Pope na praying together, we do that. We pray the rosary together every day. To defend the family and to pray for the strength to be able to overcome the challenges that our Catholic families are facing and to reach out to the poor. (In our family, we’re already doing what the Pope said. We pray the rosary together every day. We need to defend the family and to pray for the strength to overcome the challenges that our Catholic families are facing.)

The Pope is set to have more personal encounters with Filipino families in the remaining days. Another highlight of his trip will be his luncheon with families hit by Super Typhoon Yolanda in Leyte. Devotees say they look forward to more inspiration and challenge from the pontiff in the next few days.

David Lozada, Rappler, Manila. – Rappler.com