23 January 2015 – The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. successfully staged the event “Il Papa in Manila Washington, D.C.,” on January 18.

Almost 700 individuals participated in the event, a number short of the expected 700++ attendees because of inclement weather.  Majority of participants were from the Filipino-American community who listened to a series of discussions related to Pope Francis’ life and work before watching a delayed telecast of the Mass celebrated in Luneta Park.  Musical numbers and a simple reception featuring Filipino food followed the Mass. 

Washington Archbishop Donald Cardinal Wuerl and Washington Archbishop Emeritus Theodore Cardinal McCarrick reflected about the importance of His Holiness, Pope Francis’ trip to the Philippines and underscored the contribution of Filipinos to the strengthening of US society through various ways, but most especially in their strong contribution to supporting the Roman Catholic church in the United States. 

Other speakers including Georgetown President Dr. John J. DeGioia, Mr John Carr, Director of the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought, and Public Life of Georgetown and Rev. Fr. Michael Paris of the Archdiocese of Washington provided reflections on the Holy Father’s visit and commended the people of the Philippines for the great show of love and reverence for not only for Pope Francis, but also for the Catholic faith in general. 

The event was presented in cooperation with the US-Philippines Society and spearheaded by a working group composed of volunteers from the Filipino community and two Philippine Embassy staff with the support of Philippine Ambassador to the United States and Mrs. Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. 

Local media covered the event which was considered very well-organized and successful as shared by many participants after the program.  Most participants complemented the high quality of the speakers and the impressive level of the discussion as well as the seamless organization of the program itself.  END