The most we had dared to hope for was that the rain would stop for awhile, but instead the Lord blessed us with a beautiful sunny daythe first since our arrival in the Philippines. And so the excursion that had been programmed into our schedule to give us a few hours break from our work allowed us to do some sight-seeing in Manila accompanied by perfect weather.
After morning Mass, we boarded a tour bus and headed for a Sanctuary dedicated to Jesus Master. Financed by a wealthy local woman and built near the sea, the imposing church was the site where Pope John Paul II met a huge group of young people for World Youth Day 1995. Today, a piece of marble from the table on which the Holy Father celebrated the Eucharist is embedded like a relic in the altar of this Sanctuary. The church is dedicated to young people, as is clear from the huge painting in the sanctuary depicting the little Teacher Jesus in the midst of the doctors of the Temple, together with a statue of St. Maria Goretti.
We then visited the historic part of Manila, which has a strong Spanish flavor. After touring an Augustinian church dedicated to St. Paul and a museum with an abundant collection of artifacts, we stopped for lunch. While we ate, three musicians playing guitars and a double bass entertained us with lively songs from our native lands.