@abbeythe 8th wrote:
@Greenhouse wrote:
I just returned from the Vespers and am attending the multi faith 9/11 tribute tomorrow....two officiates are women, one Hindu and one Budhist. I am not a Catholic was raised Lutheran but not particularly "religious". In previous threads, I have mentioned I met Francis at a small audience in Rome as well as the 2 preceding Popes. All special in their own way. But, Francis is very special and wonderful in a small audience but this Pope is even more of an inspiration in a large crowd. As I looked around in the newly renovated St Pat's at the prominent and powerful people in attendance, there was no one more powerful than the simple, humble smiling Francis. At times, you could hear a pin drop and at other times people cheered, especially the nuns who were under scrutiny of the Vatican which Francis ended. I loved the moments with Timothy Dolan, the child in the wheelchair and the elderly nun. Francis seems to have arrived at a time in history when we needed someone to deliver hope, humility and kindness. His message isn't political but one that should resonate with everyone, no matter what religion you are or if you are atheist ....be kind to each other, help others less fortunate....respect life and care for our earth...a simple man with a simple message
May I ask how you were able to attend the Vesper service and the Interfaith service? From what they said on TV, these audiences were selected for special reasons.
We were able to obtain tickets for Sunday's Mass through our parish but they were not easy to come by.
Certainly, I was in NYC during 9/11 and worked at the respite 9/13 until it closed. I also lost 3 friends during the attack, 2 fireman and one young woman who worked for me at one time, a single mom, only child of her widowed mother. I also became very close to an employee who lost her husband; she was alone with her husband in NYC; she was from China and has returned home...each story was heartbreaking and I remain close to the parents, spouses and their children. I have been invited and attended every 9/11 ceremony with these families and was invited today by the parents of a fireman who died there.
as far as the vespers, I spend a lot of time in Italy and now that I am retired, I live there 6 mos out of a year. My friend is cousin to Cardinal Angelo Scola, who was thought to be the favorite as Pope after the death of John Paul and resignation of Benedict. I believe his name was incorrectly announced as the new Pope rather than Francis. I got my admission via Rome.
Blogs & Forums
Forums
Blogs
