As a person who has been in the presence of two different Popes, I can tell you that yesterday was special. I try not to talk about religion on here because it can be so polarizing. It is far too easy to bash someone else’s beliefs when they are different than your own.
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| Papal Mass at Queen Victoria Park, Toronto via |
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| 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.
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| Pope Benedict XVI at Nationals Park, Washington, D.C. via |
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??
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
Linking up with: Bloglovin Collective
Sam says
I loved this post! I think Pope Francis is going to bring great things :)
Sara Elizabeth says
Wow, those are quite the experiences! I’m Catholic as well and am very excited to see the changes that Pope Francis will bring to the Church, as you said they’re MUCH needed.
Your Doctor's Wife says
I had the experience of seeing Pope John Paul II at the Vatican and it was an amazing experience! How lucky of you to see TWO Popes!!
I was so excited yesterday and hope Pope Francis will push the Church further into the 21 century!
kimberly dyan says
I’m Jewish, so there is a lot about Christianity that I don’t understand. I enjoyed reading your post because it shed some light on the importance of the Pope, without shoving your beliefs down my throat and trying to convert me. Thanks so much for sharing your experience.
Gwen says
Whoa. You got to sing for the Mass?! That is too cool.
Lisa says
It’s cool that you’ve seen two popes. And I really miss saying “Is the Pope Polish?”
Alexandra says
wow I loved this! you’ve had some amazing experiences girl :)
Rachel says
I’m glad you wrote this post! Woodstock for Catholics and a Pope-mobile? Haha, sounds amazing.
Thanks for “spotlighting” me!
Becca Moss says
I got chills reading about your experiences and your faith. Some people may not enjoy reading about other peoples beliefs but I love it and I love you for writing this post. I’m not catholic but I believe we’re all brothers and sisters no matter our religion. You go girl!
Katie Hall says
I hope you have a video of you singing at mass..and that you will post it :) I think it’s great that you decided to talk about your faith..its your blog after all, so you get to talk about whatever you want!
suburban prep says
I am a Catholic as well.
I sat with my parents and one of my sisters through the introduction yesterday. My sister wanted to make sure that her young children (who go to a Catholic school) were watching too. They were. Her 1st grader came home and pronounced to his mother that he had watched history take place.
I am fortunate to have seen two popes as well. I was very young when I saw pope Paul VI and then I had and audience with Pope John Paul II when I was in high school.
RadiantKristen says
I was raised Episcopalian, but with a strong respect for the Papacy. My Grandmother was a Deacon within the Episcopal church, and her favorite place in the world was Vatican City. In her life, she met the pope 4 times, and made 13 trips to Vatican City.
I think you will absolutely meet Pope Francis, and I cheered when I learned about the man he is, and what he stands for. And I am really excited to see the direction the church turns in the next few years. Good things are coming!
Robin says
I just saw this post since I’m sooo behind on life, but I can totally relate! I was at Pope Benedict XVI’s first audience/Beatification in 2005, and was at his last audience/Canonization this past October. I feel “connected” to him and was so sad to hear he was stepping down. I would have given anything to be in the square for Pope Frances’s first appearance!