Apr 08 2008
The Papal Visit
“In his interaction with people, I think that he won the hearts and the confidence and the trust of the people because they sensed that he understood that each one of them was special in the eyes of God. He just didn’t see individuals. He saw God reflected in every human being, no matter who they were – how brilliant, how simple, how elderly, how young. There was something that just came through. And what came through was his very, very deep spiritual connection with the Lord and then he reflected that in his dialogue, in his life, and in his relationships with others.” – Adam Cardinal Maida
My older brother Bruce and I were lucky enough to be able to see Pope John Paul II when he visited the Pontiac Silverdome. My parents had been drawn from our parish’s tickets, and they wanted us to be able to see him. Coming from a rural town in which Catholicism was the minority, it was amazing to be a part of such a large congregation celebrating Mass – and a congregation so reverent. One thought struck me, “The Pope isn’t the big deal. We’re all here with Our Lord Jesus.” I paid rapt attention, never daydreamed, never thought of anything else.
I’m looking forward to seeing Pope Benedict, even if it’s just via TV and radio. I want to see the Mass he celebrates. I’m praying that others will feel that reverence and know that we’re all servants. (And I’m happy that the Clamster, aka The Clam Rampant, is going!)
For more of Cardinal Maida’s memories of John Paul the Great – including singing Polish songs together - and his funeral, the conclave, and his opinion of Pope Benedict, go to Anything Is Possible (see Media Sources under my bloglist). It’s in the archived shows, dated 08/14/2005.
