Just back from Pope's Mass in Toronto

[Niagara2]

WOW - words cannot describe the feeling. We were lucky enough to get to experience the Mass this Sunday AM. We only live 90 minutes away but left last nite and waited in the rain with a quarter of a million other pilgrims. You have to experience his wave and glance, you feel like he is staring at you....It stopped raining and the sun shined....great day.

[mamajoan]

I am so happy for you. I am glad that you were able to take the opportunity to see the Pope and attend services. May I ask... does the Pope look as fragile as he seems to on the TV? I truly believe he is a blessed soul, however I worry about his health and how far he is pushing himself on a daily basis.

Thanks for sharing your joy.
Joan

[JohnTBap]

I'm wondering if you were able to receive communion. :)

That sounds WONDERFUL! YAY for you! :)

[Pooh93]

I got to see the pope when he was in St. Louis a couple years ago. You're right...words can't explain it and it's hard to describe the feelings I walked away with from there. One almost has to experience it to understand. Glad you got to go.

[6_Time_Momma]

Wow! THat had to be an awesome feeling!

[PamOKW]

I saw most of it on TV. It must have been awesome to be there in person.

Despite the media's insistence for the last 10 years or so that the Pope is failing, he sure seemed awful strong and clear last week and especially yesterday. Physically hobbled, but an amazing mind and ability to speak languages.

[Dan Murphy]

Sounds wonderful, Niagara. Not sure I could do the crowd thing, but it is a moment to treasure for sure.

[JerseyJanice]

I saw him in New York City in 1979 (or 1980--can't remember exactly).

I did not attend Mass; he was in a motorcade in a convertible. This was prior to him being shot and before the "Popemobile" was used. I was working as an intern at an insurance company, and the motorcade came right down 48th Street.

It was an amazing experience; you really do get the impression he is very Holy indeed.

[nativetxn]

I'm so happy you were able to attend the mass Niagara2, it sounds like it really left an impression on you.

[Niagara2]

Yes - it was a life experience to treasure. Thank you for all they kind thoughts. We didn't get communion.....we were way too far away and even with all the clergy it wasn't possible. There were over 800,000 people! I went with a friend as the crowds would be just to much for small children. The Pope is so with it still. Until we saw him move around just so-so, we were worried, but he knew what he was saying and said it at times in eight different languages! It was so refreshing to see the young in a gathering such as this. It gave me hope for the future. For as hot as it was, and after being rained on all night, the teens were dressed very decently. It was different to see a mass of kids and they were all so clean shaven and neat. The girls cloths were very apporiate for the occassion. Not alot of skin if you know what I mean! So many cried after seeing the Pope....it is also very emotional as a special feeling comes through just by being so close.

[Mary Jo]

<font color=navy>Thanks for sharing your joy. Forty-five people, mostly our Life-Teen group, went from our parish here in Southern California, and I'm looking forward to hearing about their experience. I couldn't help but think of them out there in the field with so many other pilgrims, waiting, and then enjoying Mass with our Pontiff. The thought just fills my heart. :)

[cotye]

Unfortunately I wasn't in my hometown at that time. But it looked amazing and quite inspiring... even though I'm not Catholic.

Toronto will not soon forget this experience! :)

[doxdogy]

I am so happy for you. I am sure that it must have been a truly wonderful experience. He is such a wonderful man.

[helenabear]

That must have been a very moving experience. Thank you for sharing this story with us. I know we had about 15 or more teens from our Parish there for that. I saw a little on TV and I do wish I could have been there.