Waiting in the freezing cold, but quite happy with our vantage point location.
Cold and wet is no fun, but I am trying to smile.
As day breaks, they change the lights in the background of the altar to match. I am obviously not impressed and Dot's unusually cheery.
I'm awake at last, but Dot's beginning to give up the ghost.
Dot waving at the helicopter bringing the Pope from London to Cofton Park.
Miraculously, the sun came out and it didn't rain a drop from the time the Pope stepped off the helicopter. Spooky! We are obviously well chuffed at finally seeing the sun. Story of our lives.
The Pontiff is in the house. The crowd was going ballistic like at a rock concert.
The screen shows the Pope in his Merc Mobile kissing children handed to him from the crowd. The choir in the foreground was made up from children from schools in the area.
On the premises, making his way to the altar as seen on the fantastic high-definition screens.
That's the closest we got. He looked very tired and quite frail.
The sea of people.
Beginning to celebrate High Mass. The lady in the circle at the bottom right corner of the screen was translating the proceedings in sign language.
The beatification of Cardinal John Henry Newman, whose image they put up on the background after the ceremony was over. He was declared Blessed John Henry Newman. Beatification is the step prior to being conferred sainthood (canonisation).
Posing with the altar. Looking sleepy again.
The Papal blessing.
He left soon after the Mass and, as if on cue, it began raining! It was an incredible experience. He didn't engage with the people as much as I thought he would and all his speeches were scripted, but he is an 83-year-old man facing huge opposition on this visit particularly because the child abuse (by Catholic clergy) scandals being unearthed. It is a very onerous job and he bears the expectations of a changing Church. We did count ourselves as blessed and lucky to be able to be a part of his historic visit.
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5 comments:
thanks Faye for sharing this .... wonder if he will ever come to India!
Thank you Di. Yes, it'd be interesting to see if he does ever make it.
Some of the controversy could have been avoided, perhaps, if it wasn't a state visit, but just a private visit.
You look lovely in the photos!
Thank you Uttara, you are very kind.
Yes, I suppose there might have been less of a brouhaha he came as Pontiff and not as head of state, but the debate did raise interesting questions, and, though not always balanced, I feel it was still worth having.
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