After my intense conversation and battle of wits with Rich, I managed to navigate the dense maze of people and found my way to 57th and 5th by way of Madison Avenue. There were two rows of barricades on every block. One to keep people from completely blocking the side walk and the other to keep them from spilling into the street. One could enter only at positions guarded by the police. By the time I arrived, the human density inside was so great that there did not appear to be anywhere left to stand.
It was an amazing sight to behold! People of every tongue, stripe and hue and from many countries had waited for hours between the guard rails. Police were everywhere, helicopters were circling overhead and huge trucks blocked the avenue. Kids were riding their fathers’ tired shoulders and voices sang out Hallelujahs from across the street. The patient anticipation and joy of those waiting for the Pope were mind boggling. I have to admit I don’t really understand it all. But I know I have never seen anything like it before and probably won’t again.
I met a girl named, Nila, who was on her lunch break. We were outside of the barricades, on the sidewalk and a significant distance from the street. And not a good venue from which to see the Pope. So, we decided to help each other over the rail to a little space we spotted near the street. It never occurred to either of us that we could have gotten in trouble for jumping the fence. But jump we did. We were determined to get a good look-see of the Pope.
Nila was a bit heftier than I, so a couple of gentlemen gladly offered a helping hand. However, my transit was a piece of cake in comparison. Once inside, we were surrounded by the faithful who were waiting for the chance of a life time. The half dozen people I met right around me were all there by similar circumstances as my own. None of us had expected or planned to be there. Presence by Providence had been granted and we were clearly there by, “Divine appointment”.
This was the belief of the mother we met whose children would be singing later in the day in the childrens’ choir right next to the Pope at St. Joseph’s Cathedral. We all agreed with her, “Divine Providence” assessment and then I shared my experience with Rich, the Atheist. They, too, will pray for the conversion that he’s clearly never had. Another lovely lady, Lila, requested prayer for problems she is going through. The 35- 45 minutes waiting were spent in sweet, harmonious fellowship.
At last, the barricade trucks started moving out, helicopters spun lower overhead and the crowd started vigorously applauding louder and louder. Voices were lifted in Hallelujahs and we knew Pope Benedict XVI was on his way. The excitement built to an exhilarating crescendo, a sea of cameras shot into the air, flags were waving and everyone pressed forward to be as close as possible to the street and get the best possible sighting. I could hear mothers telling children, “How blessed” they were for the opportunity to witness this wonderful, historical occasion that might never happen again.
The great moment had arrived! First came a few long black limos followed by police cars and then a vehicle bearing an old rugged cross tilted and fastened to the back of a vehicle. It was an inspirational sight! Then finally, Pope Benedict XVI appeared! Rolling by us in the Pope mobile, there he sat up high, waving to all on both sides of the street, smiling in his own sweet, humble way…..So, there you have it.
I was not expecting to even get a glimpse, so I didn’t bring a camera. However, Lila, who’d requested prayer earlier, sensing my disappointment at not having a picture of the Pope and this historical occasion, offered to send me one. She offered without my asking and I believe she will do it.
It was a most glorious day. And Patti got a peep at the Pope!
