Some would say I am a nut for being inches from the pope and not even trying to shake his hand. I should not have been surprised that being in the presence of Pope Benedict XVI would make me revert to my most basic self: a very shy guy.
As a member of the USCCB staff, I accepted an invitation to be in the Great Upper Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception when His Holiness arrived there on Wednesday evening. I took a terrific position in a pew by which he passed. Plenty of folks extended their hands for shaking. I, on the other hand, stood like an easel while he stopped in front of me. Once it became apparent that I showed no sign of life, he continued walking.
Truthfully, I have no regret; I saw a chief role model of my faith, spirituality and philosophy up close. Plus, from the photos friends took from behind me, it looks like I shook his hand anyways.
Daniel Napolitano is an employee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and a 2006 graduate of Marquette University. His previous blog post about the Holy Father is here.
Close Encounter with the Holy Father
April 19, 2008 by usccbdigitalmedia
3 Responses
Wow! Lucky you!
To The Holy Father, My daughter and I watched the Papal Mass in Yankee Stadium with ” Awe” today–on Sunday, April 20th, 2008. It was a Wonderful, Holy , Uplifting Experience for us. ! We feel what America needs most is a Pope like you, Pope Benedict VXl ! Thank you so very much for coming to America! We love you. Doe Ellis & Stephanie Ellis
My sister and I went to see the Pope in Washington DC. I live in Maryland and she lives in Virginia. We really didn’t get a good look at him in the Popemobile because the security was too tight. But, we were very happy to go to show our love and support. Many people made an effort and didn’t get to see him, but we still received a blessing.