STA. ROSA, LAGUNA – Pope Benedict XVI returned to Rome today following an historic, three-day trip to Enchanted Kingdom, Sta. Rosa, Laguna, just south of Manila, the first official papal visit to a major American-style theme park since Pope Paul VI’s Thanksgiving Mass at Wet ‘n Wild in August 1966.
As the park opened its doors to the general public last Friday, the pope emerged from a private shuttle bus from Makati City to greet the throngs of people who had assembled hours earlier for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to pay their respects to the blessed pontiff and to vie for a seat on the eleven-story high Space Shuttle, a popular three-loop roller coaster ride.
The pope began his visit with a brief sermon delivered on the Midway Boardwalk Amphitheater, and blessed the park’s many concession-stand workers who “provide sustenance for our brethren seeking to beat the heat.”
“My friends in Christ, as we stand together today among this unusually large weekday crowd, I urge you and your children to exercise the twin virtues of faith and patience, for unto those who wait will come great rewards and monstrous thrills,” the pontiff told those in line for the Wheel of Fate ride.
The pope was honored in a special ceremony outside Boulderville, a prehistoric cartoon zone, in which he was presented with a complimentary season pass, good for free entry at Enchanted Kingdom until August 31.
“I am pleased to announce to His Holiness, the Vicar of Christ, Pope Benedict XVI, that from this day forward, June 9 will forever be known as Pope Day at Enchanted Kingdom, Sta. Rosa,” said Air Pterodactyl ride-operator Emilio Hernandez as he lowered the safety bar over the pope’s lap and locked it into place. “Now, prepare to be thrilled!”
The pope rode a pony on the Grand Carousel and a leisurely stroll though Victoria Park later on Friday, where he was greeted by Enchanted Kingdom dignitaries Eldar the Wizard and Princess. The pair of characters went on to sign an apostolic exhortation on the role of bishops, a Vatican concordat with Enchanted Kingdom Sta. Rosa, and the pope’s personal autograph book.
The pontiff also posed for an official portrait by celebrated Enchanted Kingdom caricature artist Manuel Cortez. The work depicted Benedict in his robes, mitre, and Rollerblades. The pope also celebrated a special midday Mass, in which the capacity-plus crowds received communion and cotton candy.
Early Saturday morning, Benedict delivered a children’s prayer at the Jungle Outpost, in which he urged “courage, resolve, and strength of stomach when you come face to face with the temptation of fireeaters and ethnic tribal dancers,” and stressed that they should all “honor thy mother and father, who paid the ultimate price for your PHP 400 (USD 8) day pass.”
“If you are a child over 54 inches tall, your covenant with fun compels you to check out the Jungle Log Jam,” the pope added.
On the third day of the papal visit, bystanders witnessed what some called a minor miracle when Benedict reunited a lost four-year-old boy with his parents. “Today, a young wayward sheep has strayed from his flock, “the pope announced over the park’s P.A. system. “But by the grace of God, he has been found safe and unharmed, and can be picked up at Enchanted Kingdom’s Discovery Theater where they’re playing Pirates 4D.”
According to Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls, Benedict accomplished everything he set out to do during the three days, with the exception of a much-anticipated visit to the Rio Grande, a wet-and-wild adventure that’s guaranteed to make you come back for more, which the Holy Father canceled at the last moment for unspecified reasons.
“This is truly a special part of the world, and my time at Enchanted Kingdom brought me closer to God – particularly when I was suspended in midair at the peak of the giant swing ride, the Flying Fiesta,” said the pope, his hair tousled, his face and the back of his neck severely sunburned, and his long, flowing robes soaked with colored pellets from Xtreme Paintball. “But there is still much more to be done, and I have a feeling that God will call me here again very soon.
