We Saw the Pope

Today we saw Pope Benedict XVI! I don't know what was more exciting - seeing him or seeing the kids get so happy to see him. We had a pretty good spot where we were able to see the boat land. Then we could also see him come through in his vehicle until he walked up the steps to the staging area. The real excitement was when he left in the vehicle and drove in our direction. The kids were jumping, climbing, and hugging each other...it was great. He looked great - very happy!

To answer some questions - we have been getting around by ferry, bus, train, and our weary legs...which is why I am now sitting in an internet cafe while the kids explore a little more. Our host homes are all located on the same bus route. We have many other pilgrims staying with host families on that route. Some are from the Phillipines. Some are from England. We are in a community about 20 minutes or so past the train stop. The community does not want the train, and has hired their own private bus company to pick up from the train. We get first class treatment. Our host families drive us to catechesis each morning. Then the bus takes us from the church to the train. The difficult part comes once we get to our major venues. They route us like cattle long distances for better traffic control. Today, for example, to get 1/2 a block we walked at least one hour. At the end of the night we have to all walk to one very far train station. Then we catch the private bus to our nearest stop. I might have to have my legs taped together to continue this pace.

This morning's catechesis was excellent. It began with a DVD of quotes from Pope Benedict. Then we had the American military bishop give a lesson. It was an excellent talk followed by a beautiful Mass. The host mom for Michael and Marcin joined us at Mass which was very special. The same people on our bus route join us for catechesis, so we get to see familiar faces throughout each day.

As for host families - they are wonderful. Michael and Marcin's hostess washed their clothes today. She is on a committee for the Cathedral which is serving tea at an interfaith event tomorrow morning. I did have my glass of Australian wine, offered by my host family. The first night the woman also offered me coffee and said it would be terrible without some kind of special addition in it - so I trusted her judgment. We have enjoyed the conversations before and after our day begins.

We went to the vocations exhibit yesterday. It is a great exhibit - far beyond what you would imagine - every kind of ministry and order represented...free internet, a coffee shop. Above it is the patron saint exhibit. A few of us were able to catch seminarian Ben at the North American booth. We hope to see him again tomorrow and arrange to meet the seminarians at the vigil and Mass. The American bishops are offering a special mass Saturday morning. Today, walking to see the Pope we ran into a priest we met in LA who was on our plane. It tuns out he's on the USCCB liturgy committee working on that mass. He also worked on the mass in D.C. for the pope and told us about that.

All the young people are doing very well. They get disappointed in one thing or another from time to time, but are good sports. I enjoy watching them experience the event. They have played a lot of soccer and volleyball with the people they meet, exchanged pins and e-mails, etc. The opening night they danced and danced. The second day we watched polish, irish, filipino, palestinian, and Australian performers. We tried to cover everyone's heritage.

The hardest thing for me is being out of touch with people at home...even harder than the crazy walking. I guess it makes sense that pilgrimage includes both leaving somewhere and walking - but was that in our preparation DVD?

It's time to go!
Maureen