DAY TWO OF VISIT TO ROME:

by Sister Christopher Jude, O.Carm.

This morning was the Jubilee Mass for Mission and Migrants with Pope Leo as the celebrant.  I arrived at security very early and entered saint Peter's Square to find a seat on the Popemobile track. It started to rain and all the umbrellas went up. At 10:00 am, there was a rush for the barricades, but we were told Pope Leo would not be coming before Mass. At this point, the rain had subsided and the umbrellas were put down. Now, I could see the Altar! The Mass was beautiful with with music sung by different choirs. Pope Leo spoke in different languages during the Mass and the greeting to all the different people from around the world. The loudest applause came when Pope Leo announced the delegation from Gaza. Our Holy Father gave the Sunday noon blessing in Latin and proceeded back into Saint Peter's Basilica. At this point we were held in place and the missing barricades were put along the tracks and locked. Pope Leo WAS coming! I could feel the excitement in the crowd. Pope Leo did not disappoint. He waved, gave his blessing and picked up babies throughout Saint Peter's Square and Via della Concilliazone.  My early morning arrival at Saint Peter's to secure a place on the track worked out and I was able to see Pope Leo very closely.