Revered ‘Popemobile’ has share of miracles

By Raymund Antonio

TO most Catholics, seeing the Popemobile used by the late Pope John Paul II in his visit to the Philippines in 1995 relives the exhilarating, if not divine feeling and experience of seeing the man who was Christ’s successor on earth.

The ‘Popemobile’ – venerated by devotees and fans – has its share of miracles, as attested by Lando Cruz, driver and caretaker of the Popemobile, adding that it has undergone the normal deterioration common in other vehicles.

“People would wipe their handkerchiefs and towels. They would ask me to open the vehicle so they could touch the chair that the Pope used,” he said.

Cruz related that one time, while he was on his way to Tagaytay to fetch the image of Our Lady of Fatima, the vehicle overheated for lack of water.

The driver prayed to The Blessed Mother for a miracle. “I was ready to call the towing company. I am a mechanic myself and I have given up on the Popemobile for good.”

But lo and behold, Cruz was able to start the engine working again after saying his short prayer.

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