Mass with the masses

Once again we piled into our buses for a mid-morning report time even though Mass wasn’t scheduled to begin until 4 p.m. preceded by the “papal parade” through Benjamin Franklin Parkway. 

Oh look who I ran into at the media center. I cropped this and sent it to some friends/family. 

 Why so much time? So the media can get settled and the area secured hours before the Pope is “on the move.” Once he’s moving, everything goes into lockdown to keep things as secure as possible.

Our assignment was the same which was to be available to escort crews out into the area where they could do “man on the street” type interviews. As we made our way through the media risers we ran smack into one of my favorite authors and fellow Loyola graduate, Fr. James Martin, S.J.!  “My Life with the Saints” by Fr. Martin was my companion for many quiet Sunday mornings as I learned more about St. Ignatius among many. 

"Say hi to Kelly Hughes" says Fr. Martin. Hi Kelly! Go Ramblers! 

His publicist also happens to be a dear friend of mine and we shared our mutual admiration for her (yet another Loyola grad by the way). You may also recognize Fr. Martin as the “chaplain” for the Daily Show with Stephen Colbert and a frequent analyst for CNN and editor for America.

 It’s quite a site to watch the gradual coming together of close to a million people for Mass. And even though there are stages and music, the atmosphere was decidedly different than just 12 hours previously when it had been host to a celebrity-studded line-up.  In the place of elaborate stage lighting and  ever-changing backdrops was a beautiful cross and elegant altar.

The musicians began to arrive along with the orchestra instruments. At some point in time someone erected a canopy tent over the choir which is great for protecting priceless instruments but bad for obstructing the view of thousands of pilgrims who had camped out overnight to get at least a long glimmer of the pope.

Boys' choir member Saturday show stopper

Secret Service men at work. 

People in the crowd started chanting “take the tent down” and everywhere I turned someone was commenting on it. And despite the threat of rain and likely due to the graciousness of many of the grounds people and musicians, the tent came down and cheers erupted.

Here’s some "behind the scenes" videos - and much better shots of the Popemobile!! (or as my daughter calls it the Pope Bubble: 

So, what can I say about being at Mass with the Pope?  Powerful.  Electric.  Amazing.  After a week of  watching him at a number of different events it was remarkably peaceful to be present at Mass with him.  And despite the crowds you could hear a pin drop during the Pope’s homily.

Now imagine the logistics of having to distribute communion to a crowd of close to 1 million. Cue the Eucharistic ministers, their escorts and the Vatican-umbrellas – a marker I’m told is used at all the large papal Masses such as at World Youth Day.

It was bittersweet to have this be the final public papal event in what had been a wonderful week of memories. 

Meanwhile, waiting at the airport for the official departure ceremony for the pope was one of my colleagues (far left - Erin Carlson, Diocese of Saginaw Communications Director) who helped connect a reporter to a wonderful story here . 

Joseph D'Aleo of Rockville Centre, a New York City Sanitation Department supervisor sick with a 9/11-related disease, shook hands with Pope Francis at Sunday night's farewell event at Philadelphia's airport.

And those are the moments that make us especially grateful to be blessed to do what we do. Bringing the stories of hope.

And here's a fantastic recap video of the entire trip produced by the USCCB: 

Spirit-filled Philly

I’ve only made it to the outskirts of Philly having dropped my best friend off in 1989 in the suburbs when she relocated to the East Coast, so I was excited to experience the city along with millions of others.  The streets were filled with people from around the world schlepping their pope swag around (sadly, they ran out of pope bobble heads but you can get them online I’m told)and generally looking more joyful than you would expect people to look navigating through crowds.

Our duties began with a stop in the GARGANTUAN media room. “Now, THAT’S a media room” said one of my colleagues. 

We didn’t hang out there too long as we had to board the bus at 10 a.m. for the 4 p.m. start of the Festival of Families.  Our position was to help out in the media area which included a set of three huge risers to host media from around the world from local and national networks to CNN, Eurovision and Telemundo.  

We were to escort media if they wanted to leave the area and move down the parkway for some great stories from those braving the day on their own little patch of grass. And let me tell you, the stories are inspiring. Nuns from around the world, young families, college kids, virtually all ethnic, socio-economic groups were represented.

The Festival of the Families is the grand entertainment for the World Family Meeting and had quite the headliners.  During the day performers and entertainers were doing their sound checks and warm-ups. From Sister Sledge to comic Jim Gaffigan to Andrea Botticelli! 

Of course being at a papal event comes with the anticipation of the appearance of the pope in the iconic Popemobile.  I, along with media and volunteers, stood alongside the low fence for over an hour with iPhones ready to go.  We were all getting nervous as we waited and watched our batteries dwindle to less than 10 percent.  My reporter friend next to me gave me the inside scoop that first you’ll see helicopters in the sky, then the police escort, then the big truck holding all the papal-ratzi and then comes the pope.

I have to say the feeling was incredible. So much in fact that this is the sorry video I took:

I was so focused on wanting to look right at Pope Francis as he drove by less than 5 feet away from me that I managed to cut-off the top half. No worries, luckily 5 of my colleagues lining up by the fence got some good shots.

Here’s the thing though.  It didn’t matter. Seared into my brain is the look of the Pope as he glanced in our direction with his infectious smile. He just emanates joy and when you know he’s there that joy seems to be infused in the air.

I was floating. I felt like if my trip had to end right there I’d be ok. I would have received one of the greatest blessings. And this feeling for just a 5-second glimpse.

But I have to say my face continued to be frozen in a permanent Joker-like smile (though less creepy I hope) as the night continued. The entertainment was top-notch and the testimonials by the families from around the world were inspiring.

But nobody could hold a candle to the Pope’s speech. He was electric. No notes, no teleprompter—he spoke from the heart and with such energy that the translator could barely keep up.  At some points in his speech it was almost like he was at open-mike night at the corner pub as he cracked jokes about how children can be a pain in the “cabeza” and don’t even get him started on mother-in-laws. But his message was simple and clear: love one another. Be kind. Words matter so choose them carefully and not harshly.

It’s no wonder everyone loves Pope Francis. He speaks to us like a good friend would over coffee or even a beer. Someone who’s not afraid to challenge us a bit but does so with a smile and a pat on the back.

And exit the sea of sisters :). 

More later. It's been an exhilarating journey. Next up--my thoughts on my first-ever papal Mass and then a recap. 

Peace out.

Covering those covering the Pope: NYC and Philly

While my schedule isn't nearly as packed as 78-year-old Pope Francis' (seriously--how does he do it!) there has been little time to be sitting composing pithy musings. But here I am with some quiet time in my hotel room before my 9 a.m. report time so following are some thoughts about my last day in New York (Friday).

Friday I wasn't assigned to cover a specific venue (though colleagues I know reported at 5 a.m. to be ready for the Ground Zero event at 11:30) so I spent some time in the filing center in the Marriott catching up with my team back home who've done an amazing job of keeping up with our own local "to do" lists and helping chart this journey through diocesan social media (like us on Facebook; follow us on Twitter - stay tuned for our Pinterest board :)). I also was tickled to be interviewed by a radio station out of Wesley college - "Reasonably Catholic" about being inside St. Patrick's Cathedral during Evening Prayer Wednesday night. Host Maria was lovely and says it should air Tuesday by the way.

Needing to get some fresh air I took to the streets with colleagues in search of a New York slice. We were only out for a short while before being called back to the hotel to get our Philly assignments but the atmosphere in New York was amazing. Everywhere our welcome signs and honestly, I have no idea where New Yorkers get a rap for being rude because I always encounter the friendliest people. One of New York's finest gave us a great tip to go to Junior's Bakery for some dessert which we did (best brownie and coffee $7 can buy you--it is NY afterall).

We ran into two women who had come from Maine and were in Central Park for the Pope's parade in the popemobile. They were beaming. We did walk down to Madison Square Garden thinking we could maybe catch a glimpse of the pope's motorcade zipping down from Central Park but apparently there's an underground tunnel into MSG so alas it was not meant to be.

We did, however, take this photo for a woman who stopped us and said her phone was almost dead and would we mind taking a photo so she could send to her mom who just "loves Pope Francis." So we did. See! Why can't we all just get along - it really isn't that difficult :).

Friday was also a logistics day as all volunteers had to take a train out of Penn Station to Philly. USCCB had secured two train cars and we waited in what I guess is like the train's "admiral club." Sitting close by to me was Cardinal McCarrick who had a steady stream of people coming up and thanking him and just expressing their wishes including one New York police officer who was overheard relaying how his 6-year-old had just started Catholic school.

We pulled into Philadelphia close to Midnight and apparently they had decided to keep the light's on for us --though the city was eerily quiet - with many road closures. We had a police escort to the hotel which did an amazing job of commandeering logistics.

Oh yeah--back to the Pope :). What can I say? Even without being at a venue on Friday it was hard not to monitor the live coverage and feeds. From his United Nations address to Ground Zero to his infectious smile as he spent time with school children in Harlem to his celebration of Mass at a place known for boxing matches and concerts. Check out USCCB's papal visit website and go to "Video On Demand" for some great highlights. [due to technical difficulties -read "user error"--i can't seem to get a direct link to Friday's highlight video]. 

While some of this is likely in all the media coverage here's some behind the scenes stuff I thought was pretty cool:

All the people at Ground Zero had a connection to 911 or the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center. According to a colleague the atmosphere was somber but deeply moving. If you can watch the children singing "Let there be Peace on Earth" and not tear up then my hat off to you.

So now I'm already on the ground behind the scenes at the Mass site and actually left my notes on Friday back at my hotel. So more tidbits later. Here are some photos: 

Spiritual Mount Olympus

Wow. Oh. Wow. Oh Wow.

So my feet haven't quite touched the ground yet as I try and take in all awe and joy that I was honored to experience yesterday inside St. Patrick's Cathedral for Vespers with the Holy Father. To be in his presence was an experience that words fail to fully convey.

But let me start from the beginning of the day for a little behind-the-scenes.

Trying to work on my selfie skills - looking "cool" for Secret Service

Media began to board buses at around Noon to allow enough time for getting through security. On the bus during the briefing overview of guidelines (what to do and not do during Vespers, etc.) was the stipulation to those media outside the Cathedral not to have any "throwable fruit." It's hard to imagine anyone would throw an orange or apple at Pope Francis but there you have it.

Once inside the Cathedral my group was stationed at the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton side altar located about at the 50-yard line of the Cathedral. What a treat to watch such media pros in action  - some from international radio and newswire outlets. I felt best when I could provide some context to the liturgy or quickly pull up some resource for them. I was impressed by how quickly the radio pros were able to succinctly and crisply describe the atmosphere inside.

The church was filled to capacitIy with close to 2,500 people close to half of which were religious-sisters, brothers and priests.

For your amusement my attempt at behind the scenes video starring my big 'ol face. 

The feeling of anticipation was greater than being 6 years old on Christmas Eve hoping Santa brought me a Barbie Townhouse. I wanted to balance that feeling of being "on the job" with being "in the moment" and truly experiencing the powerful spiritual moment.

While Pope Francis was making his way in the air from Washington, D.C., inside the Cathedral our program began around 4 p.m. with beautiful music from the Cathedral Choir. Helping people to their seats were this very dashing ushers dressed to the nines with white gloves and tails. They are part of an official brotherhood of ushers that helps with special events (though I'm not sure of their official name).

Kicking off some of the "program" part of the event was Matt Lauer from NBC's Today Show. He introduced Bishop Murphy who gave an overview of the significance of the papacy (did you know that 30 popes have been put to death?).  Others came up to give a brief history and meaning of Vespers.

Watching the mounted screens we could see the Popemobile making its way down 5th Avenue. As I mentioned earlier words fail to express the complete joy when Pope Francis walked through the magnificent Cathedral doors.

He first gave a blessing and I had it on good authority from a priest that whatever you may be carrying will be blessed. So I had in my pocket a very special rosary. This was the rosary that I had given to my dad to hold while he was dying and the one he wore until he passed into his eternal home.

Pope Francis gave his homily in Spanish but I had an English translation and they ran the translation on the large screens. Every word is gold but what I took away from his profound words were to try and do the following: count your blessings, don't work so hard to buy a bunch of stuff you don't need and won't make you happy and never forget to help all those who need it - the poor, the lonely, the immigrant, the refugee. But don't take my word for it, read it yourself :).

Of course he gave a tremendous "shout out" to all religious sisters. Scanning the crowd I could see many of them beaming. And afterwards I spoke with a sister from Africa and she said, "it was a great moment for us--now we must go and be inspired even more." Indeed!

Truly this was a surreal experience and I was still floating on air heading back to our hotel for our evening press briefing and meeting. Here's a video I shot in Times Square:

Friday while Pope Francis is making his way around the city I'll be behind the scenes helping media. More to come from Philly -

Inside the stunning St. Patrick's Cathedral

Ok, so I'm so geeked about this day on sooooo many levels, as a Catholic most of all. as a communications professional. As an American. And as a daughter - but more on that later. 

I'm writing this while sitting inside St. Patrick's Cathedral at the side altar of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton with a bird's eye view of the Cathedra where Pope Francis will be sitting. 

I'm just about beside myself with excitement. The Cathedral, having just gone through a major restoration, is stunning. One reporter sitting close by used the word "luminous" and he's right. 

My role is to be a "subject expert." So far i've been able to give a little bit of context to what Vespers means. 

After loading buses at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square with our media friends we were led by police escort to our drop-off point and then walked to 50th/Rockfeller Plaza to go through security. Once through security we were able to come inside St. Patrick's and bask in all it's newly restored glory. 

It gives me goosebumps!! 

Right now we're being treated to prelude music by a host of orchestra players. 

Stay tuned! 

Papa goes to Washington

Even while my vantage point for this day is from inside a large ballroom in the lower basement of the Marriott, the energy and excitement is electric. 

Here are some fun "behind the scenes facts" I've heard: 

Apparently on Tuesday the pope's plane did a nice loop around Georgia reportedly because Prez and Veep were running late.

One Italian reporter approached our desk during the welcome ceremony at the White House and asked "What do I call the guys in red coats? what are they? " For those wondering the same thing they are the United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps. 

Pope Francis didn't veer off script when speaking in English. Here's what he had to say at the White House. 

After his remarks the beautiful St. Augustine Cathedral Gospel Choir sang - catch them at the NOON Mass on Sundays says one of my local DC-dwelling colleague.

There were 1,000 invited guests on the White House lawn by the way. 

So if you're the leader of 1 billion Catholics where do you stay? with the Apostolic Nuncio. What's a nuncio, you ask? Why here's a good backgrounder.  

During the first Popemobile siting probably the most amazing thing was to watch secret security hand babies to Pope Francis - the most viral story is the little girl whose early efforts to run to the pope seemed initially thwarted by secret service but that call was trumped by Pope Francis when he waved her over. Here's the letter she wrote - asking the Pope not to let her father get deported. 

Some newscasters speculated the children were "hand-selected ahead of time" but I can't imagine that's true. 

The bishops sat patiently waiting at St. Matthew Cathedral,  the mother church for the Archdiocese of Washington, and many may remember as the church where President Kennedy's funeral Mass was held. 

The Midday Prayer with Bishops wasn't just named because it was held at "mid-day" but is a beautiful part of the Litrugy of the Hours.  [Chec out more here:  MidDay prayer? ]

My boss, Bishop Paul J. Bradley, was able to be one of the bishops greeting the pope and was sending me photos while inside.

Check out his reflections at his blog

Afterwards he was gracious to juglle a few media calls in-between being herded on a bus to get ready for the Canonization Mass.

I wasn't able to catch the Mass but instead was boarding a train from DC to get to NYC to help the team there. Traveled through Maryland, Delaware, Philly, NJ and arrived in Penn Station to this wonderful image:

During my travel to the Big Apple the Church was getting a new saint. Continue to check-in on USCCB's great website for all the information and backgrounders as well as our own diocesan site. 


Word on the street is that I may have a bird's eye view inside St. Patrick's Cathedral today for Vespers---I'll keep you posted. 

Papa Francisco on the move

The Marriott Marquis in downtown Washington, DC was all "a buzz" as media began filing in to pick up credentials and some to board buses to go out to Joint Base Andrews for Pope Francis arrival. Today I started by helping with the interview request desk in the filing center. I've fielded questions from our media friends from Russia, Italy, Macedonia and of course the United States. Close to 8,000 media have been issued credentials to cover this visit from every corner in the globe. 

I stepped away from the desk briefly to have lunch with my boss, Bishop Bradley, at the very delightful Busboys and Poets. I then handed him all the personal messages people had submitted via or website so he can ensure they get to the pope. 

I have to say I was giddy with excitement as the plane landed and Pope Francis made his way down the steps where they had literally rolled out the red carpet for him. 

 After warm greetings from the entire First Family, Vice President Biden and his wife and other bishops he was greeted by four Catholic school students from around Washington, D.C. 

The Pope had that same warm, friendly smile that we've grown to love. Then he stepped into a tiny little fiat - the smallest car in the motorcade. 

The Vatican has made specific instructions to have as much of the Pope's visit live-streamed to be accessible to all. You can find a live stream on our diocesan website.

The subsequent media briefing with Vatican spokesman Fr. Frederico Lombardi was wonderful (I once read a New Yorker profile that said Fr. Lombardi looked like an Italian film director which is very fitting). Fr. Lombardi (also a Jesuit) has been in his post awhile and is a true pro. My communications/media friends would enjoy his handling of all questions with a bemused confidence enjoyable to watch. When asked by a reporter what the Pope was expected to say to President Obama, Fr. Lombardi answered, "I am not a prophet." When pressed on the same topic later he said, "You'll have to listen - otherwise there will be no surprise." And while some might think Fr. Lombardi is being coy he's not. He's simply respecting the process of letting the Holy Father speak for himself before pre-empting his messages with his own interpretation or speculation before the fact. And of course he's practical because our Holy Father is known to go "off-script" quite often.

The pope coverage is overwhelming. But that's a good thing. However, I have a few favorite resources I'll share with you.

If you want up-to-date video clips check out USCCB's Papal Visit website here. 

Here's a nice recap video produced by my friends at Catholic News Service.

Laurie Goodstein wrote a wonderful and insightful feature on the Church for the New York Times here. 

I haven't had much time to explore any papal tchotchke or swag but did get a nice water bottle :). 

Tomorrow is another full day as Pope Francis gives his first prepared speech in English (most of his will be in Spanish-his native language). 

Tomorrow I'm likely fielding questions at the media center and then heading onto New York City as part of an "advance team" (how cool does that sound :) that is helping in New York. Which I think is code for an early morning. 

Peace out.