"A nation can be considered great when it defends liberty as Lincoln did, when it fosters a culture which enables people to “dream” of full rights for all their brothers and sisters, as Martin Luther King sought to do; when it strives for justice and the cause of the oppressed, as Dorothy Day did by her tireless work, the fruit of a faith which becomes dialogue and sows peace in the contemplative style of Thomas Merton. In these remarks I have sought to present some of the richness of your cultural heritage, of the spirit of the American people. It is my desire that this spirit continue to develop and grow, so that as many young people as possible can inherit and dwell in a land which has inspired so many people to dream. God bless America!" - Pope Francis, September 24, 2015
It was not a speech it was a lesson on dialogue. He could have brought fire and brimstone but instead he gave congress a lesson. Brother al
For Me Brother Al, I saw the Congressional Chamber transformed into a "Church " and he was a simple pastor who came to encourage us, to teach us, and to bring us closer to God. It was extraordinary. The TV showed members of Congress tearing up. I saw Supreme Court members applaud and they never do that. Being a bit of a political junkie, I watch Presidential States of the Union, and while this had some feel of hat it was different. You watched the faces listening very closely to every word. I am looking forward to reading his speech and I expect also to be challenged by it in some ways.
Sorry if I'm being over dramatic here Im watching the Pope in the crowd of homeless -in fact surrounded by the crowd- he is elbow to elbow with the people. These people who generally have no hope are SMILING broadly and seem to have HOPE for a moment as the Vicar of Christ walks among them- smiling, touching them and talking to them. I know he is just a man, but I can't help but think of Jesus walking among a similar crowd while he was on the earth. Its truly very humbling to being watching and yes I have tears in my eye. I cannot even believe in a few days my family and I too will be nearby Peter!!
Sooo many WOW moments so far. Papa Francis was beaming himself around the homeless...boy they pressed in on Papa...lol What struck me also was Papa Francis, after his address. led Congress to the foot of ST Serras' statue ( Hall of statues in congress). So many talking heads were almost in silence. I found this moment very powerful! God Bless John Bahner. Hes asked for the last 3 Papal visits for the Pope to address congress, Papa Francis said Yes. He shed a few tears as the speaker is known for. But today I tried to look thru his eyes. When Papa addressed from the balcony Tens of thousands of Americans standing below John shed some tears. Johns own fiat and persistence blessed a many of souls and a TON of grace upon our elected officals. I tip my hat to President Obama, with all the talk of agitators of the Pope to greet papa, I didn't see anything go down. Maybe Obama squashed that meeting? Obama was also all smiles, he was very moved himself... ok, im done rambling God Bless Papa Francis and God Bless America please
miker, Did you notice how emotional John Boehner was as he stood with our beloved Pope on the Capitol balcony! Safe in the Hearts of Jesus and Mary!
Unfortunately, you need tickets for everything tomorrow in NYC. I also understand the city is a fortress right now. I'm very happy though that my wife and her sister have tickets to be in Central Park as the Pope's motorcade comes by. I hope they get a good glimpse. They are both like two kids on Christmas morning right now. Full of anticipation. We all head to Philly early Saturday and will participate at the Vespers service Saturday night and of course the Mass on Sunday. Can't wait!
I thought the same thing. Also, I saw him calling them back to their mission and becoming who they are called to be. Land of the free, home of the brave, remember?????? While a part of me wanted him to take them to the wood shed, I was touched by his approach - gentle, humble, loving. That's how Jesus deals with me, and it takes my breath away!
In your excitement Miker you remind me wonderfully of my old dad. He too loved the Pope of his day, the now St John Pail II. I have a photo of Dad facing the pope and clasping his hand between his with Cardinal Winning in the background. Dad looks like he is in heaven. He was knighted twice by this Pope. As I said your excitement made me think of Dad's. Thank you for this thread. It makes me feel I am there.
We all will pray for your wife and Family travels and Blessed hopes , to the City and Philly. God Bless ALL pilgrims
Local media reports have said that a note went out to all 350+ parishes in the Archdiocese asking them to peal their bells at 5pm when the Pope arrives at JFK- 5pm ET. Will be keeping ears open in my little town!
You (and your dear old dad) are here in spirit! What a great blessing f0r you dad - to clasp the hand of a saint!!
I LOVE the bells... If anyone gets a chance. Look into your Churches bells, they each have a name. The biggest and only used on special occasion at the Vatican is called St Andrew( Peters brother and the first Apostle called by our Lord ). Used when Popes are elected and other Majior Church events. Its interesting I think
Before I loose this thought with the days aeads WOW's. Main stream media didn't cover Pope Francis visit to the Little Sisters of the Poor. This was pointed out on EWTN Papal passé coverage this morning. Papa confirming the sisters fight ! I had to get this on file
Watching the Cardinals at the airport... I love it, they are like little kids so much Joy around Papa
