The red dot on the photo marks the exact spot where I was seated during the two-hour mass for the inauguration of the Pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI. I had a kind of bird’s eye view of the whole celebration.
The mass began with the Laudes Regiae, a solemn invocation of the entire host of Saints, which replaced the entrance hymn and the penitential rite. Being seated near the line of Saints above the wall on the right wing of the trapezoidal entrance to the basilica, it feels like being physically intimate to those heavenly intercessors.
The Gospel was read two times – first in Latin and then in Greek. The most important and significant part of the liturgy was the presentation of the Petrine Pallium and the Fisherman’s Ring to the pope. The Pallium is embroidered with five red crosses representing the blood of Christ. It is made from lamb wool signifying the pope’s role as shepherd taking care of his flock. The Fisherman’s Ring is made of gold and bears the name of Pope Benedict XVI and the image of St. Peter in a boat fishing. Both the Pallium and the Ring symbolize pontifical ministry and papal authority.
In centuries gone by, all cardinals would kneel before the new pope, kiss his hand, and pledge obedience. This morning this tradition was broken. Instead the ritual was carried out by 12 people symbolizing the twelve apostles and representing various segments of the Catholic church – three cardinals, a bishop, a priest, a deacon, a nun, a monk, two married persons, and two young people.
The pope’s homily was interrupted several times by applause from the faithful. Two points the pope made which I wanted to highlight are the following:
I am not alone. I do not have to carry alone what in truth I could never carry alone. All the Saints of God are there to protect me, to sustain me and to carry me. And your prayers, my dear friends, your indulgence, your love, your faith and your hope accompany me.
My real programme of governance is not to do my own will, not to pursue my own ideas, but to listen, together with the whole Church, to the word and the will of the Lord, to be guided by Him, so that He himself will lead the Church at this hour of our history.
While the pope was delivering his homily, a group of pilgrims raised a huge banner that read: COMMUNION & LIBERATION. I hope and pray that Pope Benedict XVI will truly allow God’s word and will to rule and guide his pontificate. I also hope and pray that he will work for greater communion with people of other faiths and also put the liberation of powerless and voiceless people at the top of his ministry’s priority.
And also I hope and pray that people will stop publicizing intrigues and speculating on what Pope Benedict XVI will do regarding the issues that concern the world at the moment. I think it is most sensible to wait and see what he will do and how he will do it. I myself have some questions regarding his previous theological declarations, but now that he is the pope I look at him not for what he was but for what he can become. I believe it is best, as he has requested, that we will pray for him.
I brought the Philippine flag and raised it proudly during the celebrations.
Italian news reports said there were 350,000 people in and around St Peter’s Square and some other 50,000 were watching the Mass on giant television screens set up nearby. Among the pilgrims were busloads of pinoys coming from various parts of Italy.
hi Father, we are as proud as you are for our country; With that huge flag you are holding, it surely made us all the more worthy as Catholics. I was even hoping you were one of the 12 people symbolizing the apostles.Nevertheless, we are happy for you!Thank You!
thank you for representing us there in rome. naa pa ko diha magsul-ob gid ko ya sa akong uniform nga filipiniana. =) te, salamat nga proud gid ka to be a filipino!
Hi father, inggit ako you were there, hehehe…but I watched the telecast of the Inauguration and I am also reading the homily in english sa site nang vatican as I cant understand Italian or Greek…Thanks for representing the Filipino people by carrying the flag proudly.
Razy, Ski, & Emem, thanx for ur visit. I carried the flag to the Pope’s inauguration because I believe that it does not only symbolize our country, it also represents our collective faith.
Wow!ang galing mo talaga Fr. Bobby…we were looking for you maybe one of the many priest there..but you’re lucky being on the right place and right time…and thank you for sharing your experience with us…paano na yan if you are not there..anyway we’re happy for you and God bless …keep up your good work…
Padre,your Papal chronicles made me feel one with the unfolding events. Blessed are you ! Blessed are we ! Salamat kaayo. Padayon ! Mabuhay !
Ciao!
Katag-an gyud ko da na na there is something new!what I like most is the music corner.Can you play the CD of Ricky M.entitled The Treasure in You? Salamat kaayo ha?
Auguri!