As we entered Yankee Stadium on Sunday, you would think we were
going to see a huge sporting event. People all over the place,
attempting to find the seat, and getting ready for the main event,
we entered the stadium preparing not for a Yankee’s game but for
the Papal Mass. The crowd of 57,000 people cheered for the
Pontiff as he entered the Stadium. I could do nothing but smile and
cheer as the Pope entered with a huge smile.
I felt the energy and the faith as the Pope celebrated Mass. The
Mass depicted the vibrancy of the Catholic Church in the United
States. As the crowd cheered I felt myself cheer along, the
energy carried me and I know that the feeling will never be
duplicated. It was not just the presence of the Pope that made
the Papal Mass special, it was the faith and vigor of the
crowd.
“Christ our Hope”, the Pope’s message for the visit was a major
theme of the Papal Mass. I think it’s very fitting for the visit;
the Papal Mass showed me that the hope is alive in our
country. Seeing the Pontiff on TV is great, but it does not
compare with seeing him celebrate Mass in person. Hearing him
proclaim the all important message to a loving and faith filled
crowd will be something that I will carry with me forever.