Pope Francis to bless people, deliver 10-minute homily at Luneta Park
Expect the start of the Mass in Luneta Park with Pope Francis to be reminiscent of the Sinulog Festival.
Fr. Carmelo Arada Jr. said the concluding Mass of Pope Francis in the Philippines on January 18 will fall on the Feast of the Sto. Niño. He asked those who will attend to bring images of the Sto. Niño and join the Sinulog dance.
“Before the Mass begins, devotees from the Archdiocese of Cebu will lead the people in the Sinulog rhythm and dance,” Arada said during the regular press briefing on the papal visit.
Arada said Pope Francis will lead the profession of faith. He said the public should also bring candles, which will be lighted as the song “Tell the World of His Love” is performed.
It will probably take more than 30 minutes for Pope Francis to go around Luneta Park and bless people but it will take him 10 minutes to give his homily.
The Sandiego Dance Company of Cebu headed by choreographer Val Sandiego was chosen by organizers of the papal visit to present a traditional Sinulog dance before Pope Francis in a Mass at the Luneta Park.
The performance will coincide with the feast of the Sto. Niño and the Sinulog grand parade in Cebu, where the original image of the Holy Child was given in 1521 as a baptismal gift by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan to Humamai, wife of chieftain Rajah Humabon.
Associate Professor Giovanna Fontanilla, director of public affairs of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) also clarified that no Mass will be held during Pope Francis’ stop at the university on Jan. 18.