|
|
 |
Justin
wrote:
|
|
Hi, guys —
My name is Justin. I have been thinking about becoming a priest for
about 10 years. When Pope Benedict made his pilgrimage to the United
States I did volunteer work for him at Yankee Stadium. When he departed,
I cried because, at that time, he made people come together and, during
those days, you saw so many people with smiles on there face.
I was hoping I would get a chance to meet him but it never happened
for security reasons. I have always had a dream of having a private
audience with the Holy Father.
- If possible, how do I get the honor or privilege to have a private audience with
the Holy Father?
It would be great.
Justin
|
| {
How do I get the honor or privilege to have a private audience with
the Holy Father? }
|
|
Mary Ann replied:
|
Justin,
A private audience is very rare for an ordinary individual (someone who
is not a head of state, etc), unless you know somebody, who knows somebody.
What you could do is:
- go with a group that is granted an audience
- go to the general audience on Wednesdays, or
- hang out at the door to St. Peter's by which he enters the basilica
for Mass, and try to get a few special seconds.
For the first two, you can ask your parish priest how to get started.
Other than that, maybe my colleagues have some experience in this matter.
— Mary Ann
|
Bob replied:
|
Justin,
I met the Pope on my honeymoon, along with my new wife, because we obtained special
tickets for a papal audience from our bishop. These are granted for newlyweds. Pope
John Paul II started a tradition of granting special seating at his general Wednesday
audiences for the Sposi Noveli and it continues.
When possible, the Pontiff would meet and greet the couples individually
for a few moments (and of course a photo-op). If you ever get married,
plan your honeymoon in Rome (get the right seats through your bishop) and
you may meet him.
God bless,
Bob Kirby
|
Mike replied:
|
Hi, Justin —
If you are in Rome, I thought you may be interested in what Archbishop
John Foley said on the possibility of receiving Holy Communion from the
Holy Father during the Easter 2009 Sunday Mass in St. Peter's square:
Those who receive Holy Communion from the Holy Father are determined
by the office of Papal Ceremonies.
To be one of those to receive Holy
Communion from the Holy Father, write to the head of the office for Papal
Ceremonies, Monsignor
Guido Marini. You can try the address'
on our web site and ask him
for this possibility if you plan to be in Rome.
Usually it's for a special occasion such as an anniversary or in some
cases those who have been received into the Church the night before here
in Rome, come and receive Communion once again.
— Archbishop John Foley |
Mike
|
|
|
|
