Who Else Wants to See the Pope?

With a superhero cape on her shoulders, a mother of nine children, went on a trek to Washington, D.C. to see Pope Benedict XVI. She has no flying powers so she rented out a van. She is in no way related to Bruce Wayne of Batman so funds were limited. What compels a woman to bring her husband and nine children to drive 1000 miles to get a glimpse of the Pope?

The goal is to make an impression on the children, a statement of faith. At the end of the trip, the couple asked the children "Was the 8 hour trip worth it?"

Unanimously, the children cheered "Yes." All they know is it was a positive experience with indescribable feelings of serenity and unity. There was an absence of chaos even considering the lack of sleep and fatigue. Everyone was cooperative. Each kid treasured the 20 seconds when the Pope, in the Pope mobile, waved to them as he passed. He was two feet away from them. Each child felt blessed. Each child felt proud. Each child wished to see him again. The pope's visit encouraged a dialogue between the parents and the children. It was an opportune time to interact and talk about their faith. They listened intently as their parents talk at length to a stranger next to them about the different miracles in their lives. They realized that thousands of people felt thrilled to see the Pope and what he represents. They felt part of something greater.

The Papal Visit is Extraordinary

The papal visit is not an ordinary event. Millions of federal, state, church and personal funds were apportioned by D.C., New York, and America, the Archdiocese of Washington, and Catholic donors to make a success of the visit of Pope Benedict XVI.

Pope Benedict XVI came to America just like how the apostles of Jesus went to neighboring lands after Christ's death. Pope Benedict XVI travelled by plane and his Pope mobile while the apostles travelled by boat and feet. Yet, their message is the same. The time dimension is different.

Pope's Visit is to Give Hope