Devotees came to offer flowers at the Pope John Paul II Tower at the Reclamation Area in Bacolod City Saturday in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the pastoral visit of Pope St. John Paul 2 to the city on February 20, 1981.
The 7-storey tower, donated by businessman Simplicio Palanca to the Diocese of Bacolod, marked the spot where Pope St. John Paul II addressed millions of people and celebrated mass. He also delivered a message to sugar planters and workers.
The tower also serves as a venue for art workshops of Pope St. John Paul II and memorabilia of the papal visit.
The tower was received from Palanca by the Diocese of Bacolod, represented by Msgr. Vicente Navarra, former bishop of Bacolod, through the initiative of Rev. Felix Pasquin, former rector of the San Sebastian Cathedral, on the occasion of the Year of the Priest (2009 to 2010).
The floral offering at the Pope John Paul Tower was facilitated by the Commission on Church Cultural Heritage and Patrimony through Maria Roselyn Solinap. Solinap is inviting devotees of Pope St. John Paul II to join Friends of Lolek. Those interested may call her through 0956-394-5417.*CGS
