Early, Sept 24th, we departed from Our Lady of Consolation on a pilgrimage to see Pope Francis in Philadelphia. Excitement could literally be felt by all the pilgrims as we boarded the buses. The family-like feeling that developed while travelling together was so rewarding. We were also privileged to have Bishop Hying join us on the bus trip and give us insight to the Pope's speeches.We were so inspired by the churches we stopped at throughout the trip. Each one being more beautiful than the next. Their hospitality and warmth made us feel truly blessed to celebrate mass and enjoy the food they prepared for us.
The size of the crowds were beyond belief. How amazing that so many faithful traveled so far to just get a glimpse of this holy man.
Security was tight, as it should be, and everyone was grateful for the presence of our armed forces, police and security. Many people thanking them as we walked down the streets. The whole city seemed to have the presence of the Holy Spirit. Nods and thank yous to polite inquiries of their departure cities could be seen and heard.
The long wait was worth the few seconds we saw of Pope Francis as his pope mobile went by on Saturday night. We headed back to the train that would take us to our bus that would deposit us at our hotel in New Jersey to get ready for Sunday. Everyone was so accommodating and polite as we shuffled from place to place.
As we arrived at the stadium parking lot we learned there would be 1100 buses parked there that day and we had to be sure where we were parked. The crowds seemed to grow even larger as we inched our way to security. Unfortunately, they cut the lines off about a block before we got in. With Bishop Hying at the helm, we followed him to a jumbotron that was set up a few blocks away. It was perfect. We all sat in the street glued to the Pope's words with the city hall as a back drop. It was beautiful. No other words to describe it.
Back at the bus, as we waited for a few stragglers, Bishop Hying celebrated an impromptu mass so we could receive communion. It was the highlight of the trip for me. The moon helping to light the way while we thanked God for allowing us to be in this moment of time and asking for His help in carrying out His mission as we head back home to our jobs, our families and life in general.