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Hi, guys —
I caught the latter part of the Pope's funeral,
just when they were starting the Litany of
the Saints. It brought back a lot of memories
growing up. I am one of ten kids.
- We went
to Catholic school for 12 years
- Confession
every Saturday night
- Attended every St. Joseph potluck dinner with my family, and
- My patron saint is St. Teresa of Avila.
- Can I tell you how many times during the
Stations of the Cross, religion class or
Confirmation practice that I promised myself
that I would try and meet the Pope one
day before I died?
Well, I was seven or nine then. Now
I am 47 and that "someday" is now!
My sister and I are planning a trip to Europe,
leaving on Thanksgiving Day, and our first
stop will be Rome, Italy and specifically
the Vatican where we plan to attend Sunday
Mass. I am not a dignitary, a vice president
or a newlywed. My sister and I are two very
nice girls from Los Angeles, California, and
my parents made tremendous sacrifices to put
ten kids through Catholic school, not to mention
my mother actually giving birth to ten children.
We are just two of his "flock",
and we represent hundreds of millions of kids
who grew up "Catholic", and heard
a lot about this man who was pretty much right
next to God.
To most of us, meeting the Pope is about as
possible as getting to Mars. I want to at
least try and make it a reality. It is important
for me personally,
at this stage of my life, because the Pope
is a real flesh and blood man, a human being
and not this far away deity that only exists
in pictures, prayer books and the news. I
think he would love to meet me as well, so
I can tell him about my Mom and Dad and how
dedicated they were to their Faith and their
ten kids, and how blessed I was to have them
for my parents. Just one of the "flock" who
are out there in this huge world, trying every
day to keep that "Devil fellow" as far away
as possible, to be compassionate, turn the
other cheek (when what you really want to
do is punch that cheek), and maintain the
good will that was forged by my parents and
my very cool ten brothers and sisters.
- What would be the most realistic and
respectful step by step process to make
this happen?
If I start now, with your help, and I am pinching
myself because I am standing (or kneeling)
in front of him, I will promise to share the
experience with you and your readers, and
get pictures!!
Back to the Pope's funeral. All I can say
is I wish I could have met him too. He certainly
left this world a better place than when he
came into it and he traveled constantly so
he could meet us!!
I just thought I would save our new Pope
a trip to Los Angeles.
I thank you for your time.
Amy and Gail Christensen
P.S. We will be in Rome November 25, 26, 27
and 28.
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