Pope Benedict XVI celebrates Mass for priests, deacons and members of religious orders
Pope Benedict XVI celebrates Mass for priests, deacons and members of religious orders
Sister Barbara Catalano of Columbus didn’t get to talk to Pope Benedict XVI yesterday, but she feels that he got her message of love.
She was at St. Patrick’s Cathedral as the pope celebrated Mass for priests, deacons and members of religious orders from around the country.
The affection exchanged between the pontiff and the 2,000 people inside the church overwhelmed Catalano.
“It was like saying ‘We love you Benedict.’ And he responded ‘I love you too.’”
Catalano, of the Dominican Sisters of St. Mary of the Springs on the East Side, represented the Catholic Diocese of Columbus at the Mass, along with Deacon Tom Berg Jr., diocese vice chancellor.
The pope was greeted by wave after wave of applause and cheering after arriving at the cathedral.
Benedict talked about the need for healing from the clergy sex-abuse scandal, something he has addressed several times since arriving in the United States on Tuesday. He urged the religious leaders to work with the bishops in trying to heal the church and move past the scandal.
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He also continued his message of hope and peace by urging the leaders to end divisions between religious groups that keep the Catholic Church from being more engaged in helping the world. He touched on the world’s need for spirituality and helping people get over the obstacles that keep them from it.
Benedict was all smiles, apparently caught up in the joyful mood.
“He looked like someone who was enjoying himself very much,” Berg said.
No element of pageantry was spared for the 11/2 hour Mass, celebrated under the cathedral’s high Gothic ceiling. The St. Patrick’s choir, an orchestra and an organ provided the soundtrack for the liturgy, and the seats were full of deacons, priests and religious brothers and sisters, all dressed in white.
To mark the occasion, Berg wore a white stole with gold trim his wife made him for his ordination. Prayers were offered in at least six languages, and Benedict proceeded through the church, offering his blessing.
Berg and Catalano came within 10 feet of Benedict.
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“It was one of the most magnificent experiences I’ve ever had,” Catalano said. “Pope Benedict is a pope who really challenges us to think.”
Right after the Mass, Berg and Catalano started the long drive back to Ohio. Catalano was too happy to care about the journey home.
“We’ll be driving on clouds,” she said. (New York)