A reason to celebrate

It must be a rare occasion for anybody in a particular country like the United States of America to have the presence of the pope celebrating mass with the people. Pope Benedict XVI, known as the Vatican's doctrinaire' of Roman Catholic orthodoxy before he became pope, marked his first U.S. papal visit April 15-20, 2008. It also marked his third anniversary of his papacy April 19 and his 81st birthday April 16. He first visited Washington, D.C. where he was welcomed by Pres. George W. Bush, along with his wife Laura and daughter Jenna. The Catholic Church officials were, of course, in attendance too, as they represented the church at large showing the pope their respect and hospitality.

Following his itineraries first at the White House, then, to 350 bishops of the U.S. at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, to heads of the nation's more than 200 Catholic colleges and universities at the Catholic University of America, in Nationals Park also in Washington, to the United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters in New York, youth rally at St. Joseph's Seminary in Dunwoodie, masses at St Patrick's Cathedral and then at the Yankee Stadium on his last day, I had this sentiment of belonging to my Catholic faith. I enjoyed watching him on television giving his positive words for the American people.

While he was in New York, I had the opportunity to see him personally at St Patrick's Cathedral where all the clergy, Church officials, religious and some lay dignitaries took part in the celebration of the mass. It was an awesome experience for me. I was so touched when he presented himself as a humble servant of God. I couldn't describe my feeling when he passed by our pew, along with some American cardinals, bishops and archbishops. I was totally moved seeing him in person. I felt I had some goose bumps and the warm feeling swept over my whole body. For someone like me who seldom had the opportunity to participate in a huge, splendid celebration with the Holy Father like this in Vatican City, I was remarkably drawn to thank God for the gift of my priesthood. It was like an encounter' with my heart that was burning within me as I recognize the pope speaking to the Spirit-filled faithful at the cathedral.

The theme of his pilgrimage, "Christ Our Hope", made me recall the shepherd metaphor that Jesus claims particularly in John's gospel (10:1-10). To shepherd the church of

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

---

Add your voice

Know something about Thoughts on thankfulness?
We want to hear your view. Write now!