In this issue

In time for the 40 days of Lent, we’ve come up with a My Pope issue that will serve as Your Own Personal Retreat no matter where you are.

All you have to do is flip through these pages.
We talk about the benefits of unplugging (page 9), show you the Pope’s favorite spots for prayer (page 20), point out where you can find peace and calm in the city (page 28), and help you bring meaning to the season with the themes in Your Lenten Guide (page 26), and the real-life reflections in Your Holy Week Companion (page 28). And if there is one voice in particular we wish you’d drown out, it’s that of your inner worrywart (more on this on page 42). St. John the Beloved shows us what it means to be a true friend (page 52), while actress Jodi Sta. Maria talks about her inspiring visit to the Holy Land (page 10).

We hope this issue helps you see that underneath the flash and pizzazz that can distract you from your problems, lies a Voice that will bring you true purpose and joy.

Beyond Orders

Every day, Ibarra Gargantiel and Nicky Villareal prove that they can work against their condition in a café that employs young adults with special needs.

5 mins

Vision Quest

The Fred Hollows Foundation works toward a world where no person is unnecessarily blind.

3 mins

His Prayer Space

We show you Lolo Kiko’s favorite spots for contemplation— from his room to the biggest Catholic Marian Church in Rome!

3 mins

The Chosen One

A young man’s life changes after he hears the call of the Lord.

3 mins

The Shepherd And The Artist

Alejandro Marmo’s life changed the moment he met a particular cardinal— who went on to become the Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church.

3 mins

How To Silence Your Inner Worrywart

Turn down the volume on all your useless anxieties.

4 mins

Joined In Prayer

Why do we place our palms together when we pray? My Pope traces the origins of this gesture of submission.

6 mins

The Good Staff

Over the years, Pope Francis has used different kinds of pastoral rods. Let’s learn the stories behind the more unusual ones.

3 mins

Read all stories from My Pope Philippines

My Pope Philippines Magazine Description:

My Pope Philippines is an adapted English version of Italian magazine, Il Mio Papa, dedicated entirely to Pope Francis. Every month, My Pope describes the life of the Holy Father, an emotional ride of meetings, words, and simple gestures of his daily life that highlight the important message of change that permeates his pontificate.
At least 65% of the content is international and 35% is created by the local editorial team in the Philippines to feature stories highlighting the encouraging developments in the lives of Filipinos, whose values and actions reflect those that the Pope stands for, with sections on good news, inspiring stories, traditions, arts and crafts and everyday heroes.