The Pope's Visit

Statement

The Pope's Visit

Last week was one of the most memorable experiences of my life as I went to the White House ceremony welcoming Pope Benedict XVI to America, attended a dinner in his honor at the Italian Embassy, and participated in the magnificent outdoor mass that the Pope celebrated at the new Nationals Stadium.

At the mass, I was seated in a front row, ground-level stadium seat, so when the Pope drove around the ballpark in his Popemobile just prior to the mass, I was only about five feet away and could see him clearly. He has a kind face and a gentle manner.

The mass itself was moving, inspirational, and filled with hope. I would not have guessed that an outdoor mass in a baseball stadium under a cloudless sky could be so spiritual. Aside from the beautiful liturgy, the music was spectacular with the high point for me being Placido Domingo's soaring rendition of "Panis Angelicus," one of my favorites.

collins-pope2.jpgI also marveled that communion was given to 45,000 people in just 20 minutes!

The Pope's expressions of shame and sorrow over the sexual abuse of minors by some priests were also welcome and healing words.

I shall always remember Pope Benedict's visit to Washington. I realize how fortunate I am to have witnessed it.

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