“Communicate the Joy Born of Faith and
by Sister Ann Cecile Albers, SFP
These are the title words of the Holy Father’s message to all as he delivered his homily at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Sister Maria Klosterman and I had the privilege of attending this celebration designated as a Mass for the Bishops, priests, and religious of the United States on April 19th. It was truly an exciting and joyful experience to be part of the crowd waiting for his arrival. Everyone was to have arrived at the Cathedral by 7:00AM even though Mass was not scheduled until 9:15AM. There was organ music and singing by the choir during this time of waiting. It was difficult to hear because of the palpable feeling of excitement in the air and people talking and others taking pictures to pass the time.
At about 8:00 everyone was asked to take their seats and the Bishops that were present all marched in and took their places in the Sanctuary. Again, we waited with much anticipation and talking until after 9:00 when one could hear the people outside starting to cheer and letting those of us inside know His Holiness was coming. It was a ripple effect; as he came closer the applause kept getting louder and everyone was on their feet straining to get their first glimpse. The joy and exhilaration was electrifying when the Holy Father walked down the center aisle. Being seated close to the front of the Cathedral it took a little longer for me to get my first glimpse and chance to try and get a picture of him. Mayor Bloomberg gave a welcome and then Cardinal Egan before the Mass could begin. The Votive Mass for the Universal Church was used. Though it was a little difficult to always understand what he was saying during the Homily, the main message I received was that we as religious are to proclaim and give a message of hope to the world. It was only after I was able to read a copy of his homily that I realized he used different aspects of the Cathedral structure to reflect on our vocation within the Church. After the Mass he again expressed words of gratitude for our love of the Church and the love shown him and for the prayers of everyone for him. Again there was much applause and picture taking as he walked out the back and down the side aisle. The whole experience of his presence in the city was truly an exciting time. Everywhere he went the crowd sang “Happy Birthday” and gave him a rousing welcome. When I think of what touched me the most, it would have to be seeing his contact with the children with disabilities and the tenderness he showed to each one of them. The joy on their faces truly touched my heart. The other picture that stays with me is from his visit to “Ground Zero” and him kneeling in prayer. May his visit to America be ever a reminder of that yes, we are all one called to “communicate the joy born of faith and the experience of God’s love.” © Franciscan Sisters of the Poor |
