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This never would have happened if it weren't for my sister Chrissy! She spearheaded our journey to the Papal Mass in Philadelphia. Chrissy got our train tickets, and the tickets to get onto the Parkway, joining nearly 1 million pilgrims in prayer.  Our day started at the train station, where we walked right on the train, got a seat, and headed to Philadelphia.  It was surreal walking on the streets that are usually jammed with cars.  Once we got to the street leading to the security clearance, we knew it would be a long wait, but so worth the wait!

Even though it took nearly three hours, everyone was so joyous and excited it wasn't a chore, it was an adventure.  We got to the parkway and were surrounded by so many wonderful people. I was lucky to run into many QVC customers, on lovely lady wanted to know what shoes I wore! (Ryka for the long walk)  I wore my Irish Mother's love pendant, appropriate since the message was the love of the family.

​I can't even describe what it was like to feel the thrill of seeing Pope Francis pass by us, only a few feet away. He is a gentle, dear soul, his tender smile lit up his face, and every baby was carried to him for a kiss.  We were lucky to experience this moment, one I will never forget.

The Parkway in Philadelphia was the most beautiful place to join with the stranger next to us, now a friend in faith, during the Mass.  We received communion, an incredible undertaking for over 800,000 people!  It was emotional and joyous, and to pray with such a  huge number of people was so powerful.

Here is Cara's favorite quote from his homily,  "Faith grows when it is lived and shaped by love. That is why our families, our homes, are true domestic churches. They are the right place for faith to become life, and life to become faith."

My favorite part was at the very end, when Pope Francis asked us to pray for him, and with a little smile, added "Don't forget!"  We will never forget this journey of faith!