Two days ago we had the privilege of attending the Papal Mass at the new Nationals stadium in DC. We rolled out of bed at 5:45 and we're surprisingly out the door by 7am. We took the metro downtown (much to the delight of John Paul & Gabe) and got to the stadium by 8:30. The event was so well organized that we barely had to wait to get through security. Our seats were quite good. We were very close to the stage on the first level up between right and center field (the altar was smack in the back of center field). Right below us on the floor were hundreds of priests and religious. We all received bags with a papal flag and Mass program. The moment Pope Benedict rolled out in the Popemobile was so surreal. There is something about being in the presence of the Pope, no matter what man is holding the office. It's a concrete experience of God the Father and Son. There's a comfort in his "fatherliness". The stadium burst with a new energy as we welcomed him. We all stood and waved our flags. John Paul and Gabriel quite liked the Popemobile! I particularly enjoyed seeing hundreds of priests leap from their seats like giddy little children to run close to the border to get close to him. Anyhow, the Mass was beautiful. Thanks to the beloved Miss Emily we were able to handle the three kids without our Moutain Buggy stroller which in the past has saved our lives during big day outings. Gabe of course loved all the percussion sounds of the multi-ethnic musical selections. I have to admit some of it was really good. Placido Domingo rocked us all with "Panis Angelicus". Incredible voice. AAnyhow, Pope Benedict astounded me with his openness to the crowd, his clear words and the quiet reserved reverance he displays as a leader. I can't wait to download all of his addresses after this US visit and mull over them. I just love the theme "One who has hope lives differently." That sums it up for me. Thank you Pope Benedict for coming to us. We know you just wanted to enjoy a quiet retirement in Bavaria but God had much different plans for the twilight of your life. We need you! Viva Il Papa!
After the Mass we stayed in the stadium and picnicked on ball park food until the crowds had subsided. We all got a bit sunburned. Oops, we just welcomed Spring weather back and it's time for sunscreen! It was great to run into Jen, Matthew & Lydia even if for just a few minutes. The whole event felt a bit like a combination of World Youth Day, Mass at St. Peter's, a DC Catholic reunion and a ball game. It was great! I know for sure that John Paul will remember it. Gabe might only remember the flag he received. And Monica. Well, she got a good nap out of it.
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2 comments:
Thanks for the blog summary of the Papal Mass- it was the next best thing to being there! Dad and I have been watching the EWTN coverage religiously. It's nice to hear someone else's perspective than Raymond Arroyo or Fr Newhaus(who has curmudgeonly moments). We'll be following the "Little Brown Life" blog like rock stars( as Jen would say)! Love, Mom ,Grandmom
That's so awesome that you all were there with our Papa. Man, even with a baby named after him I couldn't score any tickets to either Mass. I'm glad I can live vicariously through my nieces!
I've been able to watch bits and pieces of his visit via EWTN online. The reception is a bit choppy at times, but I've loved every chance to see the Holy Father.
What a great way to put it Carolyn: there is true comfort in his "fatherliness". And it was nice to hear your perspective on the music Carolyn, because you're right Lorrie - that mass particularly brought out Fr. Newhaus's curmudgeonliness.
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