PALO, Leyte, (PNA) — There will be no politicians inside the Archbishop Residence during lunchtime on Jan. 17 where Pope Francis will dine with 30 poor survivors of recent destructive natural disasters.
Aside from survivors, two floors of the residence in Arado village, some 12 kilometers away from Tacloban City, will be opened for dining of about 100 members of the Pope’s entourage, and archdiocese personnel.
“We encourage local government officials to be at the airport to welcome Pope Francis, attend mass and join the meeting at the Cathedral. It would be impossible for them to be at the Archbishop Residence from the airport since roads are closed,” said Palo Archbishop John F. Du.
The archdiocese will set up limited number of chairs and tables inside the residence hall intended for the Pope’s entourage and selected staff and workers of the residence and chancery.
The 50-square meter dining room will be exclusive for lunch of Pope Francis, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, Du and 30 survivors of super typhoon Yolanda and Bohol earthquake.
Of the 30 survivors, five will come from Bohol; five from Eastern Samar; five from Samar province and 15 from Tacloban City and nearby towns of Palo, Tolosa and Tanauan, in Leyte.
“We have a list, but we have an order from the national committee not to reveal their names,” said Fr. Chris Arthur H. Militante, the archdiocese information and social communications officer.
The archdiocese will serve lechon (roasted pig), pork adobo, malunggay and local tropical fruits in a lunch with the poor survivors.(PNA)
CTB/SQM/PJN
