MANILA, Philippines — Non-Catholic groups see January 15-19 as ordinary days, but some believe Pope Francis’ historic visit will help renew Filipinos’ faith in God.
Rob Guevarra, youth pastor and campus missionary of Victory Church-Malolos, said Pope Francis could inspire Filipinos to seek God.
“The pope is a good person to look up to and he is a good inspiration to all of us, but ultimately I hope the pope will show us who we should really look up to, which is Jesus Christ, Guevarra told The STAR in a recent interview.
“It’s good to be inspired by him, it’s good that we appreciate him and at the end of the day, I hope we see that he is also a human being used by God to accomplish what God wants him to do,” he added.
Guevarra, whose religious group insists on the need for a strong relationship with God, said they would pray for the pope, who he said is “doing a good job”.
“I hope this (the papal visit) will strengthen the moral standards of Filipinos, that they will start standing up for what is right. Hopefully corrupt Catholic officials would be moved by the pope,” he said.
The Rev. Dr. Eli Rivera, pastor of the Seed of Faith United Methodist Church, expressed hope that the papal visit would help people remember God despite the trials facing the country.
“The Philippines has long been disunited, disoriented and several violent incidents are happening here. Since the pope is pro-people and pro-unity, I hope the focus of his messages will dwell on these themes,” Rivera said.
Rivera hopes that criminal incidents will decrease and more Filipinos will go to church and read the Bible because of the visit.
Hubert dela Cruz, bishop of the Church of Latter-day Saints of Jesus Christ, hopes that the pope’s trip to the Philippines will contribute to social transformation.
“I hope the impact of his visit will be a positive change in the Philippines. Our leaders are Catholic but what are they doing? They steal money, oppress people. I hope they (the corrupt leaders) feel that the Philippines is experiencing poverty because of them,” Cruz said.
“When the pope arrives, I hope their point of view will change, that they will realize that they are Christians who must follow the commandments of God, that as good Christians they must serve the people rather what to seek to be served”, he added. .
Jonathan Maglonzo, a Seventh-day Adventist Church elder, believes Pope Francis’ visit will bring temporary peace.
“It’s like getting ready to receive a visitor in your bag. Once dirty areas are now clean. Crime will stop temporarily. They also respect the Pope’s visit,” Maglonzo said.
Frederico Reyes, president of a local branch of the Iglesia ng Diyos kay Cristo Hesus, expects the pope to spread the message of peace, love and unity like any other religious preacher.
“The Philippines is a God-fearing nation, so the faith of its people in the church they belong to will grow stronger,” Reyes said.
Some preachers, however, believe that the interest generated by the pontiff’s visit will only be temporary for some people.
“The faith of those who are indifferent toward God can be revived or awakened. Maaring ningas kugon lang (It may not last long),” said Noli Torres, pastor of God’s Family Bible Baptist Church.
The Philippine Star
