Pope reiterates spiritual closeness to Pinoys

MANILA, Philippines - Pope Benedict XVI reiterated over the weekend his "spiritual closeness and care" for Filipinos, particularly in the wake of typhoon "Frank" (Fengshen) and the "MV Princess of the Stars" tragedy.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said the Pope relayed this sentiment to Leonida Vera, outgoing Philippine ambassador to the Vatican.

Vera is leaving her office in July. She will be replaced by Cristina Ponce Enrile, wife of Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile.

A statement on the CBCP Web site on Sunday said the meeting was "most consoling" as the Holy Father "expressed his spiritual closeness and care for the Filipinos."

Earlier this week, the Pope expressed his "deep distress of the shipwreck in the Archipelago of the Philippines of a streamer hit by the Typhoon Fengshen, which was raging in that region."

He offered his special prayer for the victims of the sea tragedy, especially the children who were on board the ill-fated vessel when it capsized on June 21 off Sibuyan Island in Romblon province.

Joining Vera at the audience with the Holy Father were her youngest son Luigi Vera, Mrs Consuelo Ebdalin Cauton, Mrs Chiqui Monzon, and Fr. Jose V.C. Quilongquilong.

After the audience with the Holy Father, Vera met with the Vatican Secretary of State, His Eminence Tarcisio Cardinal Bertone.

Meanwhile, Filipinos in Rome were to gather Sunday for the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles. His Eminence Bernard Francis Cardinal Law, Archpriest Cardinal of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, will preside a Thanksgiving Mass for Filipino communities at 3:30 p.m.

The Basilica of Saint Mary Major is one of the four Patriarchal or Papal Basilicas in Rome dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

For many years, this Marian basilica has been a favorite place for major liturgical events of Filipino communities.

The Eucharistic celebration will conclude the pastoral year of the Sentro Pilipino, a Filipino Chaplaincy under the care of Father Romeo Velos.

Sentro Pilipino has been the center of pastoral care for Filipino migrants since its foundation in 1991 at the Basilica Santa Pudenziana.

"The celebration will serve as a farewell event of the different migrant communities for Ambassador Vera who is deeply appreciated for her simplicity, graciousness and hospitality," the CBCP said.

During the 110th anniversary of RP Independence celebration at the Pontificio Collegio Filippino, Archbishop Fernando Filoni, Substitute for the General Affairs of the Vatican Secretariat of State, praised Ambassador Vera "on the way she has conducted the relationship between the Philippines and the Holy See and how she has been attentive to the Bishops and Priests."

"What moved me deeply in my diplomatic mission as Philippine Ambassador to the Holy See was not so much the formal proceeding of the work but the genuine acts of goodness and prayerful support I have received from all of you," Vera said. - GMANews.TV

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