AmericanPapist Comments
I was so excited to see the Pope this past week in DC, and at different moments during my experience, I unexpectedly found myself realizing certain things about Benedict XVI.
I had seen it in the broadcast of the White House welcoming ceremony, but saw it even more watching from the stands at the Nationals Stadium Mass—the Pope was happy to be here. This wasn’t just a diplomatic visit—he was truly, and deeply, happy to visit the United States and spend time with us. We most definitely have had our difficulties, and this was a great encouragement—the Pope wanted, and was happy to be with us.
Then there was his deep humility; it seemed to surround him. Despite the overwhelming adulation of the crowds at the stadium and other venues, and the numerous recognitions from Church and political leaders, the Holy Father warmly received these gestures, and passed them through to the Source of all goodness, God. And in his interactions with non-Catholics, he was deeply respectful and considerate, showing great kindness and caring.
As the Popemobile paused where I was cheering from the crowd at Catholic University, I observed another dimension of Benedict XVI—his humanity. Sometimes we can envision our heroes as superhuman, but I could see he was tired. It wasn’t so much the fatigue at that moment, but the deeper reality that here was a man—one who, like us, prays his “Our Father” one word at a time. I could sense he was a man of deep prayer, and one who works each new day to discern and follow God’s direction in his life. I was edified to think, that as he was following his path, I too could do the same in mine.
I was sad to watch Pope Benedict XVI leave on Sunday night, but as the teaching of the Catholic Church holds, we are all part of the communion of the saints, and I still feel close to him, even though we are now separated by a few more miles.
I took Friday off to get some things done around the house, but found myself glued to the TV. I let it all go for Saturday.
Saturday, I found myself glued to the TV and got nothing done. I figured after Mass I could do a modest amount of that work.
Sunday came, I got home at 1:30 and couldn't pull myself away from the TV.
Yeah. I'm exhausted, but putting things in perspective, the work around the house will always be there, but not our dear Papa Bene.
He's gone! Even though it was sad to see him leave, I cannot get over what an amazing experience it was to watch him on TV. His words offered so much comfort and hope. I hope his visit unites the Catholic Church and makes us stronger in the faith.
I'm a little sad too. But like you, Thomas, I'm exhausted. I also am amazed how he did it all! I guess it helps to have people drive you and fly you all around. But it is still a very hectic schedule -- especially since giving of yourself to so many people and being on the on the spot and giving a homily in front of 50,000 people and receiving the pain of those abused ... is exhausting. He's carrying a huge load. I think that last event I mentioned will stick out in my mind the most. Sure, I will labor over, try to live, and teach his addresses for a long time to come. But Pope Benedict meeting with the grown up adult victims of child sex abuse by the clergy ranks right up there in my mind with when Pope John Paul II met with Ali Acga (his would be assasign).
Great trip. I, However, spent it all working in a hspital as a chaplain and didn't get to watch any of the events. I also covered the Masses of a priest who was with his parish at Yankee Stadium. I'm exhausted too. Now I have today and tomorrow off and I can actually watch the papal visit reruns. Will be a nice break.
I was extremely impressed by the Holy Father's visit...I'm actually kind of surprised at how intense my reaction was.
His visit ultimately led me to this blog...which is a great thing and I love your writing! Keep it up!
Overall, I would say that I hadn't paid too much attention to the pre-visit preparations, as I live in Boston and there weren't any real city-wide plans going on here to prepare.
But as soon as he stepped off the plane last week, I was completely enamored with the Holy Father and his genuine humility and joy at being here with us.
On average, I cried at least 3 times with every newscast that I watched of him...the profoundness of the Church's history, the courage and love of Pope Benedict to come to our country, the faithfulness of God's people here and all over the world....you can hear about it every week in Mass, but to literally see it is SUCH an awesome thing.
He is obviously so brilliant, and he speaks with such clarity that anyone with ears to listen can absorb his messages. My favorite quote from his visit came from his address to the US Conference of Bishops:
"While it is true that this country is marked by a genuinely religious spirit, the subtle influence of secularism can nevertheless color the way people allow their faith to influence their behavior.
Is it consistent to profess our beliefs in church on Sunday, and then during the week to promote business practices or medical procedures contrary to those beliefs? Is it consistent for practicing Catholics to ignore or exploit the poor and the marginalized, to promote sexual behavior contrary to Catholic moral teaching, or to adopt positions that contradict the right to life of every human being from conception to natural death?
Any tendency to treat religion as a private matter must be resisted. Only when their faith permeates every aspect of their lives do Christians become truly open to the transforming power of the Gospel."
What a man.
My favorite speech: to the youth and seminarians. That should be printed up and put into a booklet for easy distribution.
My favorite quote: "What is God whispering in your ear?" What a great line to tag onto diocesan promotional materials!
Thank you for your coverage these past days =)
I was watching our Holy Father's departure yesterday and found myself crying... he really did leave to go back home! That being said, it was an amazing week that he was here in the U.S. and had impart so much wisdom - I feel like he had given us so much energy and encouragement to be faithful Catholics, to truly live our faith in the public squares.
One of the things he said that really stick with me was his reflection on the stained glass windows at St. Patrick's Cathedral - from the outside, the windows are dark and dreary, but from the inside we can see the true beauty and the liveliness of the images. Our Mother Church is the same, one have to know Her from the inside. What he said was invitation for me to learn more about our Catholic Faith and to never stand outside to criticize and to judge, but to see things from the inside. Furthermore, it is an invitation for all those who have wandered away or do not know of the great Catholic Church, to come inside and see and experience the Splendor of Truth our Mother Church is faithfully protecting and proclaiming.
The Holy Father is a wonderful man, indeed. I have to say, I am a little bit disappointed that he didn't do one thing - and that was to be tougher on dissenting Catholics. I have so many friends who consider themselves to be "Catholic" but don't agree with the church on so many matters. I am very frustrated because they get so much bad information from liberal Catholics in their parishes. I feel like when the Pope speaks, he is not as candid as some of us need him to be. I wish Pope Benedict would have been more specific and talked in a little bit more detail about sin. About abortion, homosexuality, contraception and other secular issues that scandalize weaker Catholics. I am just so worried about those who are misguided and go on living ignorantly (and blissfully) in sin, because they are not told what is right. In reading a lot of blog comments (the NY Times blog for example) you can see that there are those who are in so much denial about the truth. I am single and living chastely, and sometimes, it feels very lonely. Sometimes, I feel like I don't get a lot of support from the church - from the top, all the way down. In fact, sometimes I feel I have to defend myself, including to priests who tell me I'm too hard on myself and on others. Does anyone else feel this way?
It is a bit of a downer when the Holy Father leaves. Unlike a pop star celebrity who comes into town and leaves after the concert, the Pope comes not to perform but to visit. He IS family and he comes to visit us as family. Unfortunately, his permanent residence is located in Rome. That is why it is crucial for Catholics be CURRENT as to what the Pope says and does every day and every week.
American Papist, Joan's Rome and other blog cites help and of course EWTN, both television and internet (especially Raymond Arroyo's weekly Rome Reports) are superb sources. They also make you feel CONNECTED despite the distance. And finally, try to visit Rome every other year if possible. You and I may not get the special 'face-time' with il Papa, but you will nevertheless still be excited to attend a Wednesday audience or a public Mass at St. Peter's.
Pray for the Pope daily.
@ Kate...
I'm definitely feeling some of what you're feeling. The pope did comment on some of the specifics of sin...but he didn't spend much time on them and you had to really be listening for them.
I'm guessing that this had to do with the fact that his journey was one of hope and peace...and that those who read any of his encyclicals can get a sense of his persistence in encouraging us to make a 180 and return to Christ completely...
I will pray for you and that your loneliness in being faithful to the Church, especially in its more difficult teachings, will only unite you to the Cross of Christ.
@ Leigh,
Wow, thank you so much. I need the prayers, to be sure, but so do all of the Catholics out there who refuse to adhere to the teachings of the church. I truly worry about the salvation of the souls of all of my friends and family, as well as those who think they are good to go because they are "nice people." I guess I'm just frustrated with the state of the church in America and feel kind of let down that Pope Benedict had nothing but good things to say about it.
yes it is so sad to see him go. But I always think, well we could to Rome and see him in that glorious eternal city, which is better than even here.
Kate,
The Pope said many very challenging things to us while he was here. Reviewing the text of his audiences makes this clear -- it's a completely different experience than listening to him deliver them aloud.
My hope is that we review the addresses that he has left us -- and use them to examine our consciences.
I agree with the positive statements noted above, but I have one major disappointment. He did not bluntly promote the Gospel of Life at the U.N. -- bluntly in the sense of denouncing the works of U.N. agencies in promoting babykilling and contraceptives. That would have been the "Regensburg moment" on this trip, and it desparately needed a Regensburg moment.
Christ is risen! Alleluia! Thanks be to GOD for His Church & all that she has to offer. While some feel that Papa BXVI lacked CHUTZPAH in some of his speeches, remember that he has a much greater resp as "Pontifex Maximus" I think he struck a good balance betw being pastoral & no nonsense esp to the bishops Biba Papa BXVI!
Kate and PMcGrath,
I'm disappointed he didn't come down harder on you two and your specific sins; not really, but do you see the point? Kate, it sounds like your friends aren't being reached by a priest and therefore it's your job to teach the Good News: what joy there is in following the teachings of the church, how happiness beats pleasure, that Holy Mother Church is like a mom, who lovingly takes her child in her arms and says, "oh, sweetie, do you think I told you not to do that so you wouldn't have fun, or so you wouldn't get hurt?" and the child sobs, "So-I- wouldn't-get-hurt." I'm a mom, and that other approach gets kids sneaking out the window at 3 AM -I'm losing the analogy here I think.
But he did come down on the people whose fault this is: the bishops. They've really let us down, both in moral standards and catechesis.
And I was thrilled to hear his healing words and actions about the abuse scandals. Most of us eventually realize that nothing will ever restore our stolen childhoods: not money, not apologies, not prison or laicizations. But compassion helps immensely.
In addition to warmly seconding all the positive comments above, just this one observation-
During and after the liturgy in Washington,many of us attempted to make comments about it on the USCCB blog, but none of them were allowed through, presumably because they were critical.
But this is exactly the policy that contributed so heavily to the perpetuation of the scandal. Do the bishops only want to hear nice things?
I think it may have been Fulton Sheen who congratulated a newly ordained bishop in these terms, "Congratulations, your excellency, you will never have bad meal or hear the truth again."
Obviously, this is an occupational hazard, but it seems very unwise to make it policy.
Moments keep coming back to me, as my daughter and I tivo-ed all the events, and also listened to them on Sirius and Catholic radio.
The coverage of the events were heavily flavored by the medium...ie. applause during mass heard on the radio was far more offensive than when seen on the television. The St. Patrick's mass was stellar, soaring and stunning on my surround sound at home, but tinny and unnotable on my A.M. radio.
Benedict reads much better than he speaks. His homilies and messages are meant to be studied, pondered, prayer over and instilled. Make sure you read the texts before thinking the mesage wasn't given. Then read them again and again.
There was something truly unifying and humbling in praying the Confiteor with the Pope. In one of the masses, the mike was on the Pope, his voice was tired but true, praying along with the congregation...and no doubt millions at home and on the radio,..."I confess to almighty God....." this really, really touched me, deeply, at my core. I felt really Catholic then, joining my sins, with thouands of others, world wide...even the Pope of 1.2 billion.
I loved how, as the week progressed, Benedict seemed to relax into the American mood...smiles and those deep-set eyes twinkled, like his twinkling, piano-fingers, hands outstretched in acknowledgement and blessing. My daughter and I will now wave to each other this way....with a wave and flitter of the fingers..our papist wave!
I really love the camera shot of the Pope, during the Litany of the Saints at the youth rally at Dunwoody, eyes downward, hands in prayer. In many parishes, if any one holds their hands, palms together, pointed upward, they are mocked for over-piety, holier-than-thouness. But to see Pope Benedict, model to the young people and those of us watching at home, this perfect position of humility and strength, well, I will do it myself, no matter what anybody else thinks.
Lastly, a big gratefull and loving "shout-out" to Mother Angelica and her sisters. None of what my daughter and I experienced, listenind and watching, would have been possible if not for her courage so many years ago, listening to God's call to start what became the network that brought Pope Benedict's message to millions like me.
There is so much more...for the first time since my reversion, I felt proud to be Catholic. Not in a triumphalist way, but in a way that says, "We have a Rock in this Pope, and he needs our prayers just as we need his. God bless him.
Kate-I feel the same way! Thanks for letting me know that there are other single Catholics of the same mind! I know people who say they are-or were-Catholic, but don't follow the teachings of the Church. I kind of wished too that Papa Bendict would said something about all the dissidents and liberals who are out there.
And I also feel that singles don't get much support in the Church, either...yet nobody understands...and that's what is most frustrating to me as a middleaged single....
What more can I say? Love our Papa!
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