MANILA, March 6, 2015—A documentary chronicling the recent phenomenal visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines is scheduled to have its nationwide premiere on March 7, Friday, 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. on 9TV.
Made possible by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP)’s Episcopal Commission on Social Communications (ECSC), with the production help of the Jesuit Communications (JesCom), the film captures and retells some of the most significant and poignant moments during the Holy Father’s brief but grace-filled apostolic trip to the country through the eyes of those who patiently waited, lovingly prepared, and wholeheartedly took part in the events that unfolded during those four days.
Dubbed “Mabuhay, Lolo Kiko: Pagsulyap sa Pagbisita ng Santo Papa sa Pilipinas,” JesCom shares the title encapsulates how the theme of “mercy and compassion” was embodied and lived out by the Filipino faithful, especially in keeping with time-honored values of malasakit, bayanihan, and damayan.
Alter Christus
According to the Philippine Jesuits’ media arm, the nearly two-hour documentary zooms in on the emerging image of Pope Francis as an “Alter Christus” (“Another Christ”), one who lovingly personifies the Good Shepherd, and whose voice is recognized not only by the his own flock, but also by others, even those who have gone astray.
The Argentine pontiff’s humble and reconciliatory attitude has earned him countless admirers, not only from among Catholics, but also from sectors that have previously been in conflict with Church teachings.
Healing
In a world torn by conflict, the Holy Father has brought about healing on many adversarial issues and relationships within and outside the Church, living out the Gospel messages of love, hope and reconciliation, showing the world he is “in Christ, for Christ, and with Christ, at the service of humankind.”
As the third largest Catholic nation, with a flock over 75-million strong, the Philippines is considered the beacon of the faith, especially in Asia due to Filipino migrants who continue to observe the rites and traditions of the Church in their host countries.
4 visits, 3 Popes
Filipinos have had the privilege of four papal visits by three Popes: Blessed Paul VI in 1970; St. John Paul II in 1981 and 1995; and most recently, Pope Francis in 2015, each of which gave them courage and inspiration to overcome what seemed to be the interminable problems of poverty, corruption, crime and human rights issues.
Against this bleak backdrop, skepticism and near-despair, the faithful welcomed with joy and optimism the pastoral visit of Pope Francis, who has proved remarkably responsive to the call of times.
Replay
The documentary will have a replay on the following dates:
- ANC
March 9, Monday
8 p.m.- 9:30 p.m.
- ABS-CBN
April 4, Black Saturday
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
(Raymond A. Sebastián/CBCP News)