Habemus Papam

Am I a religious Catholic? Well, let’s just say I don’t refrain from eating meat on Fridays during Lent.  Not out of spite, but because I just don’t have the discipline. Do I believe in having as many children as my ovaries set the stage for? Absolutely not.  Do I believe women should have more roles in the church and that the gay and lesbian community should be accepted as brothers and sisters in Christ?  Absofreakinglutely. I guess you can say I’m a “cafeteria Catholic.” So why am I bothering with this? Let me tell you.

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When I was entering college, I was sponsored (by an anonymous donor) to experience World Youth Day 2002. I cannot verbally express to you the sublime experience this was for me! It’s been called the Catholic “Woodstock” by news anchors. In a way, they’re right. Hundreds of thousands of youth from all over the world gathered in Toronto.  There were fairs, live concerts and a great sense of community among the pilgrims. I even got to practice my French with some teens from Lyon, France. It was an experience of a lifetime.

Papal Mass at Queen Victoria Park, Toronto  via

I stood only 5 feet away from John Paul II when he whizzed by on his Pope-mobile. I watched, in awe, as hundreds of thousands camped overnight in Queen Victoria Park to see him the following day.  You are the Salt of the Earth and the Light of the World was the theme of WYD 2002, and its theme song was gorgeous. Watching this frail man fight through the weariness of age and injuries sustained by assassination attempts to be with youth was inspiring, to say the least. He could no longer clap, so instead, he tapped his armrest to the rhythm of the chanting from the crowd.

John Paul II saluting the youth at WYD 2002 via

WYD 2002 was, honestly, one of the most spiritually moving experiences I’ve had in my life. Going to church, praying as a group or in private…it all pales in comparison for me. FYI: writing this post overwhelmed me with the memories. 

When I was offered the chance to sing at the Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. for the Papal Mass with Pope Benedict the XVI, I was floored. Um, is the Pope Catholic?! (Sorry, I couldn’t help it). I woke up at 2 AM, got ready, and drove down with my other musician friend and we sang at approximately 5:30 AM.  The sun was not up yet. It was freezing, and I had a little mishap with the microphone, but it, again, was amazing. We were VIPs with reserved seating on the field right in front of the assembled altar. I even was in the presence of Placido Domingo and Denyce Graves. I mean, really? My dream come true. (P.S. Google search for images of “opera singers at Papal Mass National Stadium.”  You’ll find my picture in the results!).

When B and I landed in Rome on our honeymoon, we caught Benedict in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City only an hour later.  So, I really have seen Pope Benedict XVI twice.  Who else can say that??

Pope Francis I via

Yesterday, the world saw the revelation of a new Pope…Pope Francis. As I watched the news coverage on T.V., I couldn’t help but to feel the excitement of the people in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City. Not because there was a new Pope coming…but because I know firsthand the exhilaration, joy, excitement, and adrenaline rush that accompanies being the in the presence of so many faithful in eager waiting of the Pope. Your soul is in utter jubilee. Even as I write this, I can’t help but to think that it sounds cheesy, but there’s no other way I can describe it unless you have  personally experienced the Holy Spirit.

Will I also get to be in the presence of Pope Francis I? Is there such a thing as pressing my luck? I don’t know, but I sure would love it! I hope that this new Vicar of the Church will bring reform. God knows the Church needs it. I am fully aware of the news regarding scandals of the church,  but all I can say is this: anything run by man (government, schools, etc.) will have its faults.

Note: This will probably be the only time you will read my blog and take away a tidbit of my faith with you. If this revelation turns you off, my apologies.

Rachel and her husband in Delphi, Greece.

She and her husband have a passion for travel. They love to travel the world, and she loves to document all of her travels on her blog, hence the name, “Postcards from Rachel.”  Pretty smart,  isn’t it? Oh, and Rachel has a heart of gold. She loves to save pups from the animal shelter, nurses them back to health, and makes sure they are ready for a new home by fostering them. It’s a very fulfilling job and I’m so amazed at her passion for it.

Malcolm

Oh, and you’ll see lots of pictures of Malcolm, too. He’s the adorable West Highland Terrier they brought with them from Scotland. This loveable pup is as nice in person as in pictures. I am envious that his little passport probably has more stamps than my passport. Yes, he has a doggy passport as seen here. Little stinker :)

Stop by her blog and say hi sometime.  She’s very nice.  You can also catch Rachel on Twitter.

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