Showing posts with label Pope. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pope. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Guest Blogger
I'm guest blogging over at Catholic Mothers Online about the beatification of Blessed John Paul II. Enjoy!
Sunday, May 1, 2011
And they may call him "Blessed"
Oh, our beloved Pope John Paul II. A little more than three years ago, I shared my favorite JP2 memories.
What a man. What a Pope. What a soon-to-be saint!
Scott and I were blessed to see him nearly a dozen times from 2000-2003. Some of the sightings were quick (at his apartment window late one night as he waved to a few singers in the square and a quick motorcade drive by late, late one night after our dinner in Rome). But, others. Other times we spent hours listening to him.
There was the first Papal audience in St. Peter's Square. It was unbelievable.
There was the canonization of Padre Pio. Yes, us and 9 billion (ok, maybe a little exaggeration, but it was KAH-razy) other pilgrims crammed into St. Peter's Square on a very hot June day and witnessed history.
There was the prayer Vigil and Mass at World Youth Day in Toronto. That one still makes me tear up when I think of it. We had seen him just a month before in Rome and he looked so frail. When he arrived in Tornoto he was not the same man. Youth invigorated and inspired him as much as he did them.
There have been Sunday Angelus' and more Papal audiences. Each time I wondered this: is this the last time we'll see JP2? I was reminded that being in his presence was a tremendous blessing.
As a non-Catholic, I had a hard time understanding what was so exciting about the Pope. When I became Catholic and learned about the church's history I began to see and understand the papacy. The disciple Peter was the first Pope. Every Pope since then follows in the line of the succession of St. Peter. These men weren't chosen by man, but rather by the Holy Spirit. I am grateful beyond words that I was given so many opportunities to be in the presence of the Holy Father.
As he reflected on scripture during his audiences and Masses, I was inspired to change. To change the way I love my husband. To change my views on artificial birth control. The death penalty. Social justice. Wars. Famine. Injustice. The John Paul II Generation isn't a cliche, I'm a proud member. His teachings, compassion and love will affect generations of Catholics. I'm honored to be one of them.
Blessed John Paul II, pray for us!
Monday, November 22, 2010
Condoms and the Pope
Bet those are two things you didn't think you'd see in the same sentence. Recently, this has flooded the news waves and I'm sitting here scratching my head wondering why. For starters, the Catholic church hasn't changed its position on artificial birth control. Secondly, the media took those comments WAY out of context. Like, galaxy light years. Now they're all backtracking.
At any rate, here is the official word from the Vatican News Service. I hope you find it informational and clarifying as much as I did.
NOTE BY FR. LOMBARDI CONCERNING A NEW BOOK ON THE POPE
VATICAN CITY, 21 NOV 2010 (VIS) - Given below is the text of a note issued by Holy See Press Office Director Fr. Federico Lombardi S.J. concerning certain remarks by the Pope on the use of condoms, which appear the new book "Light of the World".
"At the end of chapter eleven of the book 'Light of the World' the Pope responds to two questions about the battle against AIDS and the use of condoms, questions that reconnect with the discussions that arose in the wake of certain statements the Pope made on this subject during the course of his 2009 trip to Africa.
"The Pope again makes it clear that his intention was not to take up a position on the problem of condoms in general; his aim, rather was to reaffirm with force that the problem of AIDS cannot be solved simply by distributing condoms, because much more needs to be done: prevention, education, help, advice, accompaniment, both to prevent people from falling ill and to help them if they do.
"The Pope observes that even in the non-ecclesial context an analogous awareness has developed, as is apparent in the so-called ABC theory (Abstinence - Be Faithful - Condom), in which the first two elements (abstinence and fidelity) are more decisive and fundamental in the battle against AIDS, while condoms take last place, as a way out when the other two are absent. It should thus be clear that condoms are not the solution to the problem.
"The Pope then broadens his perspective and insists that focusing only on condoms is equivalent to trivialising sexuality, which thus loses its meaning as an expression of love between persons and becomes a 'drug'. This struggle against the trivialisation of sexuality is 'part of the great effort to ensure that sexuality is positively valued and is able to exercise a positive effect on man in his entirety'.
"In the light of this broad and profound vision of human sexuality and the problems it currently faces, the Pope reaffirms that 'the Church does not of course consider condoms to be the authentic and moral solution' to the problem of AIDS.
"In this the Pope does not reform or change Church teaching, but reaffirms it, placing it in the perspective of the value and dignity of human sexuality as an expression of love and responsibility.
"At the same time the Pope considers an exceptional circumstance in which the exercise of sexuality represents a real threat to another person's life. In such a case, the Pope does not morally justify the disordered practice of sexuality but maintains that the use of a condom to reduce the danger of infection can be 'a first act of responsibility', 'a first step on the road toward a more human sexuality', rather than not using it and exposing the other person to a mortal risk.
"In this, the reasoning of the Pope certainly cannot be defined as a revolutionary change.
"Many moral theologians and authoritative ecclesiastical figures have supported and support similar positions; it is nevertheless true that we have not heard this with such clarity from the mouth of the Pope, even in an informal and non-magisterial form.
"Thus Benedict XVI courageously makes an important contribution to help us clarify and more deeply understand a long-debated question. His is an original contribution, because, on the one hand, it remains faithful to moral principles and transparently refutes illusory paths such as that of 'faith in condoms'; on the other hand, however, it manifests a comprehensive and farsighted vision, attentive to recognising the small steps (though only initial and still confused) of an often spiritually- and culturally-impoverished humanity, toward a more human and responsible exercise of sexuality".
At any rate, here is the official word from the Vatican News Service. I hope you find it informational and clarifying as much as I did.
NOTE BY FR. LOMBARDI CONCERNING A NEW BOOK ON THE POPE
VATICAN CITY, 21 NOV 2010 (VIS) - Given below is the text of a note issued by Holy See Press Office Director Fr. Federico Lombardi S.J. concerning certain remarks by the Pope on the use of condoms, which appear the new book "Light of the World".
"At the end of chapter eleven of the book 'Light of the World' the Pope responds to two questions about the battle against AIDS and the use of condoms, questions that reconnect with the discussions that arose in the wake of certain statements the Pope made on this subject during the course of his 2009 trip to Africa.
"The Pope again makes it clear that his intention was not to take up a position on the problem of condoms in general; his aim, rather was to reaffirm with force that the problem of AIDS cannot be solved simply by distributing condoms, because much more needs to be done: prevention, education, help, advice, accompaniment, both to prevent people from falling ill and to help them if they do.
"The Pope observes that even in the non-ecclesial context an analogous awareness has developed, as is apparent in the so-called ABC theory (Abstinence - Be Faithful - Condom), in which the first two elements (abstinence and fidelity) are more decisive and fundamental in the battle against AIDS, while condoms take last place, as a way out when the other two are absent. It should thus be clear that condoms are not the solution to the problem.
"The Pope then broadens his perspective and insists that focusing only on condoms is equivalent to trivialising sexuality, which thus loses its meaning as an expression of love between persons and becomes a 'drug'. This struggle against the trivialisation of sexuality is 'part of the great effort to ensure that sexuality is positively valued and is able to exercise a positive effect on man in his entirety'.
"In the light of this broad and profound vision of human sexuality and the problems it currently faces, the Pope reaffirms that 'the Church does not of course consider condoms to be the authentic and moral solution' to the problem of AIDS.
"In this the Pope does not reform or change Church teaching, but reaffirms it, placing it in the perspective of the value and dignity of human sexuality as an expression of love and responsibility.
"At the same time the Pope considers an exceptional circumstance in which the exercise of sexuality represents a real threat to another person's life. In such a case, the Pope does not morally justify the disordered practice of sexuality but maintains that the use of a condom to reduce the danger of infection can be 'a first act of responsibility', 'a first step on the road toward a more human sexuality', rather than not using it and exposing the other person to a mortal risk.
"In this, the reasoning of the Pope certainly cannot be defined as a revolutionary change.
"Many moral theologians and authoritative ecclesiastical figures have supported and support similar positions; it is nevertheless true that we have not heard this with such clarity from the mouth of the Pope, even in an informal and non-magisterial form.
"Thus Benedict XVI courageously makes an important contribution to help us clarify and more deeply understand a long-debated question. His is an original contribution, because, on the one hand, it remains faithful to moral principles and transparently refutes illusory paths such as that of 'faith in condoms'; on the other hand, however, it manifests a comprehensive and farsighted vision, attentive to recognising the small steps (though only initial and still confused) of an often spiritually- and culturally-impoverished humanity, toward a more human and responsible exercise of sexuality".
Friday, May 21, 2010
QOTW: May 21, 2010
"Your real, real, REAL name is Scott."
John Paul, after referring to Scott as Dad, then clarified his "actual" name.
Me: "Anna-Laura, did you wake up your sister this morning?"
ALG: "No. I only said, 'Clare, it's time to wake up.' I didn't touch her."
"That's my friend!"
Clare, while pointing to big sister ALG at Pre-K graduation. So cute.
"The policeman will give you a ticket for screaming, Sisty."
John Paul after tiring of hearing his sister scream in the car. Oh, if only John Paul. If only.
And, from Pope Benedict XVI on the importance of authentic Christian politicians...
"The Pope explained how "the spread of a confused cultural relativism, and of a utilitarian and hedonistic individualism weakens democracy and favours the dominance of strong powers. We must recover and reinvigorate authentic political wisdom; be demanding in what concerns our own sphere of competency; make discriminating use of scientific research; face reality in all its aspects, going beyond any kind of ideological reductionism or utopian dream; show we are open to true dialogue and collaboration, bearing in mind that politics is also a complex art of equilibrium between ideals and interests, but never forgetting that the contribution of Christians can be decisive only if knowledge of faith becomes knowledge of reality, the key to judgement and transformation. What is needed is a true 'revolution of love'".
We're off to enjoy a delicious fish fry with the Williamson County A&M Club this weekend, finish a few honey-do's, ride some bikes and chill. Only 8 1/2 days left of school. YYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!! Make it a great weekend.
John Paul, after referring to Scott as Dad, then clarified his "actual" name.
Me: "Anna-Laura, did you wake up your sister this morning?"
ALG: "No. I only said, 'Clare, it's time to wake up.' I didn't touch her."
"That's my friend!"
Clare, while pointing to big sister ALG at Pre-K graduation. So cute.
"The policeman will give you a ticket for screaming, Sisty."
John Paul after tiring of hearing his sister scream in the car. Oh, if only John Paul. If only.
And, from Pope Benedict XVI on the importance of authentic Christian politicians...
"The Pope explained how "the spread of a confused cultural relativism, and of a utilitarian and hedonistic individualism weakens democracy and favours the dominance of strong powers. We must recover and reinvigorate authentic political wisdom; be demanding in what concerns our own sphere of competency; make discriminating use of scientific research; face reality in all its aspects, going beyond any kind of ideological reductionism or utopian dream; show we are open to true dialogue and collaboration, bearing in mind that politics is also a complex art of equilibrium between ideals and interests, but never forgetting that the contribution of Christians can be decisive only if knowledge of faith becomes knowledge of reality, the key to judgement and transformation. What is needed is a true 'revolution of love'".
We're off to enjoy a delicious fish fry with the Williamson County A&M Club this weekend, finish a few honey-do's, ride some bikes and chill. Only 8 1/2 days left of school. YYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!! Make it a great weekend.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Surprise!
Once our tour of the Vatican was finished, Bishop Aymond and I headed out for some shopping! We were on a mission. He was looking for "bishop stuff" and I was just tagging along. We also had another idea - travel to the Vatican photo shop and find the photos from the general audience.
Many of you know the "Sam's Club" of religious goods near the square but Bishop Aymond introduced me to the "Super Target". This store is much nicer and I found some great stuff. Thanks BA!
We grabbed a quick panini and water and then headed back to the Vatican photo shop. It was easy finding the photo of his visit with B16 but we couldn't find the photos of our group on the popemobile route. We found a photo near the area as he was looking right at our group. We thought that would have to be good enough but I had an idea - let's find one of the aerial shots. Perfecto! There was a series of shots and we found one that had all of us in a line looking at and waving to the Holy Father. We bought several copies and passed them out at dinner to everyone. It was a hit!
Look at the L'Osservatore Romano site to view the photos.
After dinner, I headed out to Piazza Novano for a little Tartufo - a great desert made from chocolate gelato and truffles with whipped cream on top.
Tomorrow is a big day with Mass at Santa Maria Maggiore and a full day tour of Rome. Should have tons of photos....
I will pray for your intentions while at the Basilica.
Many of you know the "Sam's Club" of religious goods near the square but Bishop Aymond introduced me to the "Super Target". This store is much nicer and I found some great stuff. Thanks BA!
We grabbed a quick panini and water and then headed back to the Vatican photo shop. It was easy finding the photo of his visit with B16 but we couldn't find the photos of our group on the popemobile route. We found a photo near the area as he was looking right at our group. We thought that would have to be good enough but I had an idea - let's find one of the aerial shots. Perfecto! There was a series of shots and we found one that had all of us in a line looking at and waving to the Holy Father. We bought several copies and passed them out at dinner to everyone. It was a hit!
Look at the L'Osservatore Romano site to view the photos.
After dinner, I headed out to Piazza Novano for a little Tartufo - a great desert made from chocolate gelato and truffles with whipped cream on top.
Tomorrow is a big day with Mass at Santa Maria Maggiore and a full day tour of Rome. Should have tons of photos....
I will pray for your intentions while at the Basilica.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Pope! Day two.
Oh, my what a day. Great Mass with the Bishop this morning and then off to St. Peter's for the General Audience with the Holy Father.
Do we have a future pope from America...only time will tell....
Can I tell you how close we were to him! Kathryn will be so JEALOUS! I love you babe and I promise I got great photos.
After a two hour lunch, love those Italians, we toured Tivoli and Villa d'Este and its 1,000 fountains, yes that number is correct.
Do we have a future pope from America...only time will tell....
Finally, dinner with Paolo and Patrizia, our Roman friends. As usual, Paolo didn't fail me with a traditional Roman dinner including shrimp, octopus, sardines, squid, salmon and pasta. He also introduced me to a new after dinner drink...mirto...yummy!
Thanks Paolo and Patrizia for your friendship. Bacchi...
Off to bed and ready for another day at the Vatican.
Mass will be at St. Peter's tomb...can I tell you how much I love being Catholic. Buono note!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Lost in translation?
So, Speaker Pelosi briefly met with the Pope yesterday. From the sounds of the Vatican-issued communique and her office's statement...I think something got lost in translation?
As proud as she was to show off those beloved photos of her children and grandchildren, may she be humbled to learn that ALL children are a gift and all aspects of life should be sacred, not discarded or shoved in a nursing home corner to be forgotten.
From the Vatican Information Service:
A JUST SYSTEM OF LAWS CAPABLE OF PROTECTING HUMAN LIFE
VATICAN CITY, 18 FEB 2009 (VIS) - The Holy See Press Office released the following communique at midday today:
"Following the general audience the Holy Father briefly greeted Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, together with her entourage.
"His Holiness took the opportunity to speak of the requirements of the natural moral law and the Church's consistent teaching on the dignity of human life from conception to natural death which enjoin all Catholics, and especially legislators, jurists and those responsible for the common good of society, to work in co-operation with all men and women of good will in creating a just system of laws capable of protecting human life at all stages of its development".
From Speaker Pelosi's office:
"It is with great joy that my husband, Paul, and I met with His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI today.
In our conversation, I had the opportunity to praise the church’s leadership in fighting poverty, hunger and global warming, as well as the Holy Father’s dedication to religious freedom and his upcoming trip and message to Israel.
I was proud to show His Holiness a photograph of my family’s papal visit in the 1950s, as well as a recent picture of our children and grandchildren.”
As proud as she was to show off those beloved photos of her children and grandchildren, may she be humbled to learn that ALL children are a gift and all aspects of life should be sacred, not discarded or shoved in a nursing home corner to be forgotten.
From the Vatican Information Service:
A JUST SYSTEM OF LAWS CAPABLE OF PROTECTING HUMAN LIFE
VATICAN CITY, 18 FEB 2009 (VIS) - The Holy See Press Office released the following communique at midday today:
"Following the general audience the Holy Father briefly greeted Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, together with her entourage.
"His Holiness took the opportunity to speak of the requirements of the natural moral law and the Church's consistent teaching on the dignity of human life from conception to natural death which enjoin all Catholics, and especially legislators, jurists and those responsible for the common good of society, to work in co-operation with all men and women of good will in creating a just system of laws capable of protecting human life at all stages of its development".
From Speaker Pelosi's office:
"It is with great joy that my husband, Paul, and I met with His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI today.
In our conversation, I had the opportunity to praise the church’s leadership in fighting poverty, hunger and global warming, as well as the Holy Father’s dedication to religious freedom and his upcoming trip and message to Israel.
I was proud to show His Holiness a photograph of my family’s papal visit in the 1950s, as well as a recent picture of our children and grandchildren.”
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Diggin' some dirt
It's finally a reality...St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School held its ground breaking ceremony today. I had to drag the kids to the car, but once we got there, they realized they could play in the dirt - and all was well with the universe :-) I say it all the time, but it's worth repeating. My husband is a masterful fundraiser. So, when our kids hit the doors of ninth grade at St. Dominic's I'll be proud to tell them that their dad is a big reason why it's there.
And...we spent some quality time watching CNN this evening (you won't hear me say that often!) We said goodbye to B16 and prayed for his safe travels home. What a phenomenal week. What an amazing priest. What a great time to be Catholic.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Happy Baptismal Anniversary John Paul!
UPDATED!
Lest we forget about today's MOST important story...the baptismal anniversary of John Paul! It was four short years ago that he went from heathen to a child of God. What a great day that was...surrounded by family and two wonderful Godparents. So, when you get a moment, offer up a prayer of thanksgiving for John Paul and his two Godparents, Gachia and Vince. He is the funny man, bundle of energy, love bunny and life of the party at our house.
Click here to see who's in the news! That would be Clare's Godfather. What an honor he has coming up this weekend. Travel safe, Fr. Richard!
Lest we forget about today's MOST important story...the baptismal anniversary of John Paul! It was four short years ago that he went from heathen to a child of God. What a great day that was...surrounded by family and two wonderful Godparents. So, when you get a moment, offer up a prayer of thanksgiving for John Paul and his two Godparents, Gachia and Vince. He is the funny man, bundle of energy, love bunny and life of the party at our house.
Click here to see who's in the news! That would be Clare's Godfather. What an honor he has coming up this weekend. Travel safe, Fr. Richard!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Top Ten: Best Papal Memories
First things first - Happy 81st Birthday Pope Benedict! (I'm sure he's reading this blog in his spare time...)
What a perfect day to reflect on my close encounters of the Papal kind. Scott and I have been blessed to be in the presence of the Holy Father about a dozen times. Many times were deeply spiritual, a few were just downright exciting. It's hard to describe, really. Being in his presence. He just evokes this excitement and you can feel the Holy Spirit. Really, you can. Gives me goosebumps. Hold on to your zuchetto's, here goes this week's top ten, in chronological order:
BEST PAPAL MEMORIES
(Disclaimer: these are all of JP2, as we haven't had the honor of seeing B16 in person yet...)
1. 2000, St. Peter's Square. This was our first general audience, held in St. Peter's Square in Rome. When he came out in the open-air Popemobile (which I have to say, I chuckled when I first heard that!), it was crazy to see people practically stepping (um, ACTUALLY stepping) on other people to get a glimpse. I just kinda hung back with my big, fat telephoto lens and enjoyed the view as I stood on my chair. I wanted to scream - "Hey people, if you'll just relax we can ALL see him." But, these are Italians. They don't know orderly lines. I do remember him speaking, but it was pretty tough to understand, even when he spoke in English.
Scott and I, just after the audience. About a week later, we renewed our wedding vows here!
2. 2000, Eucharistic Procession, St. John the Lateran to St. Mary Major. Rome has 4 major basilicas (St. Peter's being the biggest and most famous). Each year on the Feast of Corpus Christi, the Pope travels from St. John to St. Mary, via the Popemobile, as he kneels in front of the Eucharist. Mostly he prays. So, when we stood along the street we were simply expecting to see the Pope praying...albeit he would only be about 10 feet away. But, he had this connection with teenagers. And, sure enough, just as he approached our group, he opened his eyes and looked at all 30 of us in our group. The kids went nuts, I clicked a few photos and almost dropped my camera. I have never looked into the eyes of someone that Holy. It was intense. Even for this convert who was slow to warm up to him.
3. 2000, right after the procession. His car zoomed by us as we were making our way to dinner. The lights were flashing, we heard a honk and off he sped. That one was exciting.
4. 2000, Sunday Angelus. Each Sunday afternoon, the Pope briefly addresses the crowd at St. Peter's and prays the Angelus, usually in Italian, from his apartment window. This was about the time that his health was starting to decline, but I remember closing my eyes and really focusing on what he was saying. That's when I wished I knew Italian.
5. 2002, Canonization of Padre Pio, St. Peter's Square. Our youth group and half a million (seriously) of our closest friends descended upon Rome for this historic canonization when an ordinary priest officially became a saint. (Padre Pio is a whole other post) Remember how I said it was like 150 degrees? Well, this day it was 200. No lie. We baked. But, we made history while we baked. At the time I don't remember thinking this was a cool, spiritual thing to do. I just wanted water, a fan and a clean bathroom. But, looking back 6 years later, what a moment. What a day.
6. 2002, Pope Paul VI Hall. Yep, this one was definitely an answer to prayer. If you've ever been to Rome in June, it's kinda like south Texas in August - so dad gum hot you can fry eggs on the concrete. Our youth group had been talking all morning about how cool it would be if the audience was indoors, not out, so we wouldn't have to bake in the sun, again. But, that usually only happens if it's raining, so we didn't have much stock in that...until we arrived at the Square and the Swiss Guards started diverting us into the Hall. OH MY. Without a doubt, this was my favorite audience with the Pope. #1: It was air-conditioned. #2: JP2 just seemed more energetic. In the middle of his English address (he typically does the same one in 4-5 languages), a guy in the back of the hall yells out, "JP2, we love you!" The place went nuts. He just smiled a little and kept on going. Oh, how I wish I could've seen him in his youth - with his energy and charisma at 100%.
7. 2002, Sunday Angelus. This one broke my heart. JP2 could hardly speak, he sounded so weak. And, truly, I thought this might be the last time we ever saw/heard him. That was an emotional audience for me and all those in the square that day.
8/9. 2002, World Youth Day, Toronto, Canada. What a difference a teenager makes! This was just one month after we saw him in Rome. Truly? A different man arrived at World Youth Day. He was invigorated, funny and completely engaged. Amazing. We took 700 (yes, you read that correctly) of our teenagers from the Diocese of Lafayette to WYD. We were right along the ropeline for the Popemobile. And, once again, he looked right at our teens. What a spiritual moment. To be in the presence of holiness. We celebrated Mass the following morning and it was almost entirely in English. A real rarity and it was awesome.
10. 2003, Papal Audience. Scott and I returned to Rome for a Stewardship Conference. This was where we actually had a public audience with the Pope (which means you're in the general vicinity!!) We were on the steps of St. Peter's for this audience and could really see his expressions, his struggles to speak, his humanness. He was drooling so badly, the Cardinal sitting next to him kept wiping his mouth. I will never forget seeing how a human being could carry the cross of suffering with such dignity. Today, in our society, we cast off people like that - shutter them in a nursing home. But, he suffered before the world and gained its respect. Perhaps even taught us that in dying, we live through Christ. It was at this audience I was pregnant with our own little John Paul - but, we didn't find out until we arrived home. So, now you know the "rest of the story."
I'm 3rd from left, Scott is about 7 more people over.
My apologies for a long post. Thanks for hanging in there with me today :-) Oh, and if you just can't get enough Pope news, check out this blog for even more!
What a perfect day to reflect on my close encounters of the Papal kind. Scott and I have been blessed to be in the presence of the Holy Father about a dozen times. Many times were deeply spiritual, a few were just downright exciting. It's hard to describe, really. Being in his presence. He just evokes this excitement and you can feel the Holy Spirit. Really, you can. Gives me goosebumps. Hold on to your zuchetto's, here goes this week's top ten, in chronological order:
BEST PAPAL MEMORIES
(Disclaimer: these are all of JP2, as we haven't had the honor of seeing B16 in person yet...)
1. 2000, St. Peter's Square. This was our first general audience, held in St. Peter's Square in Rome. When he came out in the open-air Popemobile (which I have to say, I chuckled when I first heard that!), it was crazy to see people practically stepping (um, ACTUALLY stepping) on other people to get a glimpse. I just kinda hung back with my big, fat telephoto lens and enjoyed the view as I stood on my chair. I wanted to scream - "Hey people, if you'll just relax we can ALL see him." But, these are Italians. They don't know orderly lines. I do remember him speaking, but it was pretty tough to understand, even when he spoke in English.
Scott and I, just after the audience. About a week later, we renewed our wedding vows here!
2. 2000, Eucharistic Procession, St. John the Lateran to St. Mary Major. Rome has 4 major basilicas (St. Peter's being the biggest and most famous). Each year on the Feast of Corpus Christi, the Pope travels from St. John to St. Mary, via the Popemobile, as he kneels in front of the Eucharist. Mostly he prays. So, when we stood along the street we were simply expecting to see the Pope praying...albeit he would only be about 10 feet away. But, he had this connection with teenagers. And, sure enough, just as he approached our group, he opened his eyes and looked at all 30 of us in our group. The kids went nuts, I clicked a few photos and almost dropped my camera. I have never looked into the eyes of someone that Holy. It was intense. Even for this convert who was slow to warm up to him.
3. 2000, right after the procession. His car zoomed by us as we were making our way to dinner. The lights were flashing, we heard a honk and off he sped. That one was exciting.
4. 2000, Sunday Angelus. Each Sunday afternoon, the Pope briefly addresses the crowd at St. Peter's and prays the Angelus, usually in Italian, from his apartment window. This was about the time that his health was starting to decline, but I remember closing my eyes and really focusing on what he was saying. That's when I wished I knew Italian.
5. 2002, Canonization of Padre Pio, St. Peter's Square. Our youth group and half a million (seriously) of our closest friends descended upon Rome for this historic canonization when an ordinary priest officially became a saint. (Padre Pio is a whole other post) Remember how I said it was like 150 degrees? Well, this day it was 200. No lie. We baked. But, we made history while we baked. At the time I don't remember thinking this was a cool, spiritual thing to do. I just wanted water, a fan and a clean bathroom. But, looking back 6 years later, what a moment. What a day.
6. 2002, Pope Paul VI Hall. Yep, this one was definitely an answer to prayer. If you've ever been to Rome in June, it's kinda like south Texas in August - so dad gum hot you can fry eggs on the concrete. Our youth group had been talking all morning about how cool it would be if the audience was indoors, not out, so we wouldn't have to bake in the sun, again. But, that usually only happens if it's raining, so we didn't have much stock in that...until we arrived at the Square and the Swiss Guards started diverting us into the Hall. OH MY. Without a doubt, this was my favorite audience with the Pope. #1: It was air-conditioned. #2: JP2 just seemed more energetic. In the middle of his English address (he typically does the same one in 4-5 languages), a guy in the back of the hall yells out, "JP2, we love you!" The place went nuts. He just smiled a little and kept on going. Oh, how I wish I could've seen him in his youth - with his energy and charisma at 100%.
7. 2002, Sunday Angelus. This one broke my heart. JP2 could hardly speak, he sounded so weak. And, truly, I thought this might be the last time we ever saw/heard him. That was an emotional audience for me and all those in the square that day.
8/9. 2002, World Youth Day, Toronto, Canada. What a difference a teenager makes! This was just one month after we saw him in Rome. Truly? A different man arrived at World Youth Day. He was invigorated, funny and completely engaged. Amazing. We took 700 (yes, you read that correctly) of our teenagers from the Diocese of Lafayette to WYD. We were right along the ropeline for the Popemobile. And, once again, he looked right at our teens. What a spiritual moment. To be in the presence of holiness. We celebrated Mass the following morning and it was almost entirely in English. A real rarity and it was awesome.
10. 2003, Papal Audience. Scott and I returned to Rome for a Stewardship Conference. This was where we actually had a public audience with the Pope (which means you're in the general vicinity!!) We were on the steps of St. Peter's for this audience and could really see his expressions, his struggles to speak, his humanness. He was drooling so badly, the Cardinal sitting next to him kept wiping his mouth. I will never forget seeing how a human being could carry the cross of suffering with such dignity. Today, in our society, we cast off people like that - shutter them in a nursing home. But, he suffered before the world and gained its respect. Perhaps even taught us that in dying, we live through Christ. It was at this audience I was pregnant with our own little John Paul - but, we didn't find out until we arrived home. So, now you know the "rest of the story."
I'm 3rd from left, Scott is about 7 more people over.
My apologies for a long post. Thanks for hanging in there with me today :-) Oh, and if you just can't get enough Pope news, check out this blog for even more!
Sunday, April 13, 2008
He's coming, he's coming!
Yes, the Holy Father arrives in just two short days!! As a Catholic, it's very exciting. But, I'll even go so far to say that for all Christians, it's exciting. And I'll tell you why.
When I was dating Scott and thinking about the remote possibility of converting to Catholicism, I wasn't too sure about that Pope guy. What did he do, anyway? Didn't Catholics just worship him, along with Mary and the plethora of so-called "saints"? I guess you could say I tolerated him - even through my entrance into the church. It really wasn't until our first pilgrimage to Italy that I begin to understand what a faith-filled man he was. Fr. Kevin had us do a trip report - focus on an area of our trip - that we were to be the "expert" on and deliver a report when we arrived at that particular destination/person's birthplace. My report was Vatican City. I read a ton and in reading about the Vatican, you can't help but stumble upon anecdotes and such about the Holy Father. So, I guess you could say I was warming up to him.
Then, we entered St. Peter's Square for our first Papal audience and there was this electricity. (No, not quite like the static at the Barry Manilow concert I attended in middle school.) You could just feel that we were in the presence of someone holy...dare I say, saint-like? Pope John Paul II had a presence about him, but I know that it was the Holy Spirit focusing him on his job at hand - to bring millions closer to Christ - that was the true electricity. Sometimes you're in the presence, or you see someone through the media, that you just KNOW has dedicated his/her life to Christ. Mother Teresa. Bishop Fulton Sheen. Pope John Paul II. Pope Benedict XVI.
I often marvel at the effect the Holy Father has on so many people. Yeah, I know there are lots 'o Popestalkers out there, c-r-a-z-y Catholics that are a wee bit over the top. But, I urge you to look at the faces of his youngest fans...teenagers. JPII and B16 are different, but the same. One an actor, the other a quiet theologian. But, both want us Christians worldwide to live our faith - to unite, not divide.
So, as we prepare for the visit of B16 let's all take heed to what will likely be his message. To focus on the sanctity of life, the end of war and a re-birth of moral values in America. Last time I checked CNN does NOT have the market on morality...even though the nightly news tells us differently. Hollywood is not Jerusaleum. Entertainment Tonight is the not the Bible. And, LA is not heaven.
(photos courtesy of CNS)
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