Till we meet again in heaven...

Yesterday afternoon, we had a concelebrated funeral mass at the UST Parish Chapel in loving memory of our dearly beloved Karol Wojtyla, a.k.a. Pope John Paul II who passed away in the bossom of the Lord last saturday, as announced by the Vatican News Agency, in Rome. In his homily, Fr. Roland de la Rosa, OP, shared his fond memories of the Pontiff's two visits at the University, tinged with humor, inspiration and nostalgia. Fr. Tamerlane Lana, OP, the incumbent Rector of the University and main celebrant, also delivered a touching speech before giving the final blessing.

At the end of the celebration, everyone (well, almost everyone I guess...) placed a white rose at the foot of JPII's framed picture at the altar as a sign of reverence and love for him. Each one was also given a white candle to light on, to celebrate JPII's entrance into the Divine Light of heavenly bliss, and everyone joined the choir in joyfully singing "Tell the world of his love" the theme song of the 1995 World Youth Day in Manila, and of which in some way many believe was the rallying cry of his pontificate and pastoral visits.

Just an observation - it could have been much better if the celebration had been done at the UST grandstand... well of course, the very large number of participants who graced the occasion was unexpected, in fact the chapel was filled to the brim (rated-SRO) and there were many people along the outlying premises who have not received roses and/or candles.

This is understandable since we all love our dearly beloved Pope, but how I wish it could have been done at the grandstand; the lighted candles would create a more touching or I should say "remembering" atmosphere since it was precisely there at the grandstand where the multitude saw JPII in person as they joyously chanted "John Paul II, we love you" with occasional shouts of "totus tuus". JPII on his part joined in the chanting while he waved at the crowd saying "John Paul II, he loves you."

Karol Wojtyla... John Paul II... a man of the LIGHT (remember the Mysteries of the Light?), the untiring servant and apostle of the Lord, "God's athlete" who went out in search of the Father's prodigal children so that he may tell them of His love - you have at last touched the shores of life in guiding the SHIP in its long and ardous journey... we have reached a stopover destination and this time, the MASTER tells you that your being the Captain of the SHIP is over, another will take your place and guide the SHIP to its next destination... Surely, HE will amply reward you for a job well done!

You have completed your sixth day of work with much fruit! As you rest from your labors on the seventh, may you rest happily and eternally with God!... at last, my brother, you're home...!! Rest assured - you don't have to look back and see whether what you did was good... we only have to look foward in hope with what you have taught and showed us... Pray dear father, that we who are still fighting for LOVE's many battles in this valley of tears may grow more and more courageous, zealous and stronger in faith as we follow the Lord in the way of holiness everyday...

In Jesus' Name. Amen.

... till we meet again... in heaven....