The SEDP-Simbag Sa Pag-Asenso, Inc. sent out selected staff to Manila on January 18, 2015 to experience firsthand and witness a great event that happened to Filipinos especially for the Catholics—the visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines.

At least 40 SEDP staff went to Manila together with delegates from other religious organizations to join the concluding mass at Rizal Park and to represent the Diocese of Legazpi.

Among the Staff who went were the loyalty awardees who have served SEDP for at least 10 years. The trip and opportunity was part of their award given last December 2014.

Pushed by Faith

Even if a public storm warning signal was hoisted in the Bicol region and in some areas of Metro Manila because of the Tropical Storm “Amang”on January 17, 2015, the SEDP Staff were determined to pursue and grab the opportunity to be part of this once in a lifetime event.

After a send-off mass held at the Good Shepherd Chapel, Cathedral Compound, Legazpi City, amidst heavy rains and blowing winds, the group started their travel at about 5:00 in the afternoon.

Walk of Hope

Reaching Roxas Boulevard, Pasay, Metro Manila at about 7 in the morning, the group failed to reach  the venue because of the magnitude of believers already there. Still determined to see Pope Francis, they walked and joined the crowd of at least 6 million faithful.

“We started to walk from CCP complex to UN Avenue; from there the delegates of the Diocese of Legazpi were scattered, some stayed along Roxas Boulevard” said Grace Corteza, the SEDP-MPC General Manager.

Along the way, wearing raincoats, with hope and faith to at least have a glimpse of the Holy Father, SEDP Staff patiently walked and rested from time to time on the sidewalks of Manila.

On the way to the Quirino Grandstand, while riding on the Pope Mobile, Pope Francis waved and smiled to the crowd waiting for him including SEDP delegates.

“My colleagues and I jumped over the barricade to get a closer look at him” Grace Corteza described.

The great moment happened in a matter of a second, but to the people who waited just to get a glimpse of  him;  it’s like  that  time stood still, a once in a life time  experience.

“I can’t explain what I felt when I saw Lolo Kiko (Pope Francis), it was an indescribable feeling, I felt like my heart was jumping, I was crying and at the same time filled with  happiness!” She added.  My presence in that event was a gift of my 10 years with SEDP… yes, a gift of a lifetime.