AN ENDURING LEGACY OF FAITH

Ambassador Juvencio de Jesus Martins and Monaco Consul Fortune Ledesma.

Of course, there were also many holy men and women: Malolos Bishop Dennis Villarojo, Pasig Bishop Mylo Vergara, Bishop Antonio Tobias; Msgr. Alessio Deriu, Msgr. Julien Kabore and Fr. Rolando Garcia of the Apostolic Nunciature; Barasoain Church parish priest Fr. Domingo Salonga; St. Anthony de Padua-Singalong parish priest Fr. Benny Tuazon; the National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies, Msgr. Esteban ‘Bong’ Lo; and Fr. Mico Dellera of the Office of the Archbishop of Manila.

The holy ladies present included Sr. Mary John Mananzan, OSB, and Sr. Christine Pinto, OSB, former and incumbent president of St. Scholastica’s College Manila; Sr. Evangeline Paras of Ristorante delle Mitre; and the Sisters of St. Paul, including Sr. Leah Vinluan, Sr. Lenny Velasco and Sr. Emily Bucot of the Apostolic Nunciature.

But I suspect the holiest of all was Sec. Locsin, who must have a hotline to heaven because after his prayers for the Pope’s good health at the Nunciature Reception, Pope Francis was seen at the Eucharistic Celebration in St. Peter’s Basilica the next day—no longer in a wheelchair but walking!! I suspect that behind all that Twitter gibber is actually a man of fervent prayer, inspired by St. Paul—“late into the true faith” but writing tirelessly to make the faith endure!

It’s always a beautiful reception when you are filled with both food and faith. Cheers and prayers for the Holy Father and the Holy See! More from the author at margauxsalcedo. com. Follow @margauxsalcedo on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.