Thank You Holy Father!

Wow, what an incredible week! Even though I wasn't physically present for any of the papal events I've had goosebumps throughout his apostolic trip to our country. As most of you know I was blessed to have been in St. Peter's Square on April 19, 2005 in which Cardinal Ratzinger was elected pope and also to have great seats for his inauguration Mass as Supreme Pontiff which was spectacular in themselves but to see the Holy Father on our soil really was a different experience. He spoke directly to us as Americans and we truly saw a man that loves us and is concerned for all the troubles that we have within the American church and within our country.

Thank you Holy Father for coming and giving us the message of "Christ our Hope." Thank you Holy Father for challenging us and letting us know that we are to "have courage!" Thank you Holy Father for going to Ground Zero and really sharing with us the pain that horrific day of 9/11 caused our country. Thank you Holy Father for supporting us as priests. For telling the people to love their priests. We truly need this affirmation during these rough times. Thank you Holy Father for being the person that you are and may God bless you always in your Petrine Ministry.

photo: Fr. Tom Washburn, OFM