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.