1336 Kapampangan PWDs, medical patients listen to Papal Mass
BY: LIEZEL CAYANAN
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA — In line with the theme of Pope Francis’ visit in the Philippines, Mercy and Compassion, Pampanga governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda invited 1,336 persons with disability (PWD) and dialysis and cancer patients to listen and be part of Pope Francis’ papal mass at Rizal Park, Manila.
Aware of the struggles of the PWDs and medical patients, the governor organized a live stream of the program at Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center this Sunday were 873 PWDs and 463 medical patients attended.
Before the mass started, Gov. Pineda reminded the PWDs and medical patients to remain faithful to God despite their situation.
‘Iyong ibinibigay na tulong pinansyal ng Kapitolyo nauubos pero ‘yong pananampalataya natin sa Panginoon ‘yon ang matitira kaya dapat mas palakasin pa natin to,” the governor said.
A Holy Communion was also held at the gathering were thousands of Kapampangans participated.
Meanwhile, Rev. Fr. Manny Sta. Maria lauded the governor’s efforts in reaching the PWDs and medical patients. “Siguradong hindi makakalimutan ng mga kababayan natin itong ginawa ni Gov ngayong araw. Ipinakita niya ‘yong concern ni Pope sa mga may sakit at PWDs. Kompleto ang programang ito pati spiritual,” Rev. Fr. Sta. Maria said.
Ginal Manuel, one of the attendees and a dialysis patient was also thankful to the governor. She admitted that her faith was strengthened after the mass.
“Nagpapasalamat po kami kay Nanay dahil lagi niya kaming naaalala. Malaking tulong sa ‘ming mga may sakit ‘yong ginawa ngayong araw,” Manuel said.
Food packs were also distributed after the mass.
