Filipino volunteers, Anna Galarrita and Olga Reyes, are preparing for the historic papal mass in Singapore. Pope Francis’ visit marks the first in 38 years, drawing 50,000 attendees.
Bollywood Fever: Filipino hospital administrator Anna Galarrita and domestic helper Olga Reyes have been rehearsing for months to participate in a 1,500-strong choir for the papal mass, a highlight of Pope Francis‘ upcoming visit to Singapore.
The pontiff’s arrival on September 11 marks the first visit by a pope to the island republic in 38 years, since Pope John Paul II’s brief stop in 1986.
For many Catholics, including the volunteers, this visit is a deeply significant moment. Reyes, 52, expressed her excitement, saying, “It’s a dream of all Catholics to meet the pope.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime story that I can pass to my grandchildren.” Galarrita, 45, sees the mass as a blessing, especially as it coincides with her birthday.
She views her participation as a prayer for her mother, who recently passed away from cancer.
Singaporean engineer Raphael Lau, 66, will serve as a communion minister during the mass. He, like many others, considers the event special, calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime event.”
Pope Francis’ visit, part of a 12-day tour that includes stops in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and East Timor, will feature a mass for 50,000 attendees, meetings with Singapore’s leadership, and an inter-religious dialogue with local youth.
Singapore’s Catholic community, which makes up about 7% of the population, has been eagerly awaiting the visit, with a spokesperson from the Roman Catholic Archdiocese stating it has “ignited a wave of excitement and devotion.”
For the youth, like siblings Emma and Jonah Leong, the visit is a unique opportunity to see the pope in person. “I want to see how he teaches differently about God,” said Jonah, 10, eager to attend the mass.
Despite being a minority, Catholics have a long history in Singapore, dating back to the arrival of Portuguese missionaries in the late 15th century.
Today, Catholics, including a large Filipino community, are integral to the religious fabric of the nation.
For Galarrita, the papal mass is not just an event—it’s a heartfelt prayer for healing and hope as she remembers her late mother while serving in the choir for Pope Francis.
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