Touched by the Holy Father
Island Catholics reflect on their encounters, close and distant, with Pope Benedict XVI
‘He is a sacrament, a living concrete sign, of Christ’s presence among us’
Bishop Larry Silva welcomed Pope Benedict XVI with his U.S. fellow bishops at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and celebrated Mass with him at Nationals Park in Washington and Yankee Stadium in New York.
By Bishop Larry Silva
It was a great privilege to have participated in the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to the United States in Washington and New York. The experience was tremendously moving for me and for the thousands of people who participated in the many events. I was present in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception with the other U.S. bishops when the Holy Father led us in Evening Prayer and then addressed us on a variety of topics. I was also able to participate in the Mass he celebrated at Nationals Park in Washington. A few days later I traveled to New York and concelebrated the papal Mass at Yankee Stadium.
What was obvious was the excitement of everyone who traveled from near and far simply to be in the presence of the Holy Father. Even though only a few hundred had any degree of personal contact with him since the security was very tight, the tens of thousands who were in his presence were deeply moved. One of the primary ministries of the bishop is to be a sign of unity of the diverse family of God, and the Bishop of Rome did that in a way only he can, creating a sense of unity from the thousands of people of many cultures and languages who gathered to see him. There was a great sense of unity among those who did not know each other but who knew they are in a true communion with one another in Christ.
A question that occurred to me often during the papal visit was: Why are so many people so interested in being with the pope? Why are even the secular media so interested in covering his every move? It is partly because he is a celebrity, but other celebrities hardly draw the same interest. It is partly because he is a world leader, but even the president of the United States does not draw such crowds. I doubt if it is because of the pope’s personality, since he is a rather shy and humble man.
I believe it is because there is a sacramental reality to his presence that most people would not be able to articulate but for which they have an innate sense. He is not simply the supreme dispenser of the sacraments, but he is a sacrament, a living concrete sign, of Christ’s presence among us. He truly is the Vicar of Christ, and people of faith are drawn to him for that reason.
He is not Christ himself, since the most important thing he did was the same thing every parish priest does every day: to make Jesus Christ present in the Word and in the Eucharist. Yet in a very real way, he is a living sign, or sacrament, of the risen Christ among us. As the Successor of Peter, Benedict XVI did what Peter himself did. He boldly proclaimed that Christ is risen, and that salvation comes from Christ.
Whether the Holy Father was with people deeply committed to the Catholic faith or with non-believers, he made Christ present. That was the greatest blessing of the pastoral visit of His Holiness to the United States.
‘By the end of the Mass, I felt a surge of pride in the faith that we profess’
Hawaii priest Father Marvin Samiano is studying canon law at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. He was among the hundreds of priests and bishops who celebrated Mass with the Holy Father in Nationals Park.
By Father Marvin Samiano
Words cannot fully describe the excitement that filled Nationals Park as we prepared for the arrival of the pope. Seated in right field, I had a very good view of the chair, ambo, and part of the altar. What I could not see well, I could view on the Jumbo-tron TV set.
As the pope arrived, the sounds of applause and expressions of love for Benedict XVI filled the stadium. It was hard NOT to get emotional as I saw the pope in the popemobile just a few feet away from me, as he circled the stadium, blessing all that he saw in the stands.
As the Mass was celebrated, it really hit home: I am concelebrating with the POPE!!!! What an honor and a once-in-a-lifetime experience!! Several times during the Mass, I was moved to tears as I listened to his homily that centered on the hope that we have in Christ. His gentleness and humility was evident; he was truly a very different man from what many expected as the former prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. I remember listening and feeling his pain as he recounted his meeting with several victims of clergy sexual abuse. He acted as Christ, as an instrument of healing, calling for continued vigilance and pastoral care. He did not shy away from the issue that was on the mind of many people.
After Communion, we were treated to a rendition of “Panis Angelicus,” by Placido Domingo, which moved the pope, and myself, very much.
By the end of the Mass, I felt a surge of pride in the faith that we profess. I felt renewed in my commitment to my ministry in the name of Jesus Christ. I felt energized to go and continue the good work that God has begun in me to be leaven to the world that so cries out for peace and justice.
Truly, it was a moment of grace to have his pastoral presence in our midst. Even from where I stood, the love that he has for the people was so tangible, one could not help but be moved by it. I think that all who were fortunate to be in Nationals Park, as well as those who experienced his words from home, felt blessed in his presence. He truly showed me Christ in his openness, in his humility, in his pastoral nature, in his challenge to be better.
‘At this the whole room exploded in applause, and he smiled’
Carmen Himenes is the superintendent of Hawaii Catholic Schools. Pope Benedict XVI gave a special address to all American Catholic school superintendents and Catholic university presidents at The Catholic University of America.
By Carmen Himenes
I met the pope in a room of about 600 educators. The whole aura of the Catholic University of America, the anticipation of his arrival, and the incredible security clearance process was an awe inspiring experience. I was fortunate to have a seat in the front middle section, in the second row. I could see clearly the seams on his red shoes, so you can only imagine how his words resonated in my being.
Pope Benedict XVI spoke clearly about our mission and the Catholic identity of our schools. He spoke as though he knew each of us and our struggles. He was sincere and compassionate in relating his gratitude for the work we do. He connected with us in a very personal way. His leadership is truly Christ’s example in our midst.
All of his remarks were important, but I was significantly touched by three points he made.
1. He was very sensitive in his discussion of academic freedom. I was inspired when he said freedom is not only the choice to “opt out” but to “opt in.” His discourse on the relationship between truth and faith is a message that needs further reflection.
2. He stated that our Catholic schools are not defined by the number of Catholics attending our schools, but rather the pursuance of the mission and message of Jesus Christ. At this the whole room exploded in applause and he smiled.
3. Last, his plea was clear that we must continue to provide an education for the poor and marginalized. He stated very strongly that we need to remain in the inner cities and that our schools be accessible to all who desire a Catholic education.
Pope Benedict XVI affirmed us in our ministry, that our work is important for the church, and that we must persevere in our mission. With his leadership and sense of purpose, I have hope that we will succeed, maybe even exceed, his hopes and desire for the future of all Catholic schools.
‘He sort of did a double-take and asked who we were.’
Jon Cabico is a seminarian for the Diocese of Honolulu from Pearl City studying at The Catholic University of America in Washington, where the pope spoke to Catholic educators.
By Jon Cabico
The excitement here started on Wednesday [April 16], when Pope Benedict passed by our seminary in the popemobile on his way to evening prayer at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Shrine. People started gathering early on our front lawn. There was a good mix of them and a lot of singing, praying, signs, etc. The atmosphere was kind of like getting ready for UH’s big bowl game. A lot of positive energy and joy, even though there were some protestors in the mix, too.
For Thursday, I got tickets to the Papal Mass [at Nationals Park], and for his evening address to the Catholic Educators here at CUA. I was ill Thursday morning, so I didn’t make it to the Mass. The guys said that they were seated on the field just to the left of the “stage-sanctuary,” and that for the most part, they had one of those huge pillars blocking their view of his presider’s chair.
I was doing better by mid-afternoon, so I took a chance and went to his evening address on campus. THAT was a great opportunity for us baboozes from Theological College! We were escorted as a group through the middle of the campus area where students were waiting for Pope Benedict’s arrival. It was a festive scene. A stage and jumbo-tron were set up on one end of the lawn. There was a pathway through the center of the lawn, and a crowd on both sides.
We got cheered on our way between buildings (we were wearing our clerics and coats — real formally dressed), though I don’t know if they realized we were seminarians at that point. We got to wait for the pope on the first floor of the building where he was talking to the Catholic educators, right where he would get into the elevator. So we would have a brief opportunity to cheer him on as he entered the building.
At first, it seemed that he was going to be led past us without stopping, but he sort of did a double-take and asked who we were. He shook some hands and asked some quick questions. When he found out we were seminarians, he said that we were “very well dressed.” I was too slow to get in the lineup and ended up about three people back from where he was shaking hands. I got some good video of him, though, from just five or six feet away. It seemed that we could just feel his joy being here.
We couldn’t leave until the pope left [after his talk], so we had a second chance to cheer him when he came out of the elevator. This time, he spent more time shaking hands and greeting us. I was still stuck in the back, at about the same distance, taking more video. I felt even better, because we got to sing to him, “Tu es Petrus, et super hanc petram aedificabo ecclesiam meam.” (You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church.) Overall, I got a sense of what I think was one of his goals for this trip: hope in Christ for us as Christians, and as a church. That’s what seemed to be in the air after the pope left campus: a sense of joyous hope. At least for me, anyway.
‘We felt blessed he said a short homily in Spanish. His Spanish is excellent!’
Dr. Ricardo Burgos, a physician at Tripler Army Medical Center and the coordinator of Hispanic ministry at St. John the Baptist in Kalihi, his wife Danielle and their three children, Christian, Michael and Camille, traveled to Washington, D.C., April 12-19, for the papal visit.
By Dr. Ricardo Burgos
We arrived in D.C. on a “red-eye” flight, tired, hungry, but excited about the upcoming papal Mass. In D.C., the pope’s visit permeated everything from television and radio to the newspapers. At breakfast that first morning, Michael, 11, surprised us when he told the waitress, “I want the pope’s eggs, eggs Benedict please.” The rest of us almost choked with laughter.
We woke very early the morning of the Mass and boarded the metro to Nationals Park. We entered around 6 a.m. without difficulty. The first thing we noticed were several very large tents for confession with already long lines. It was cold, but we were able to warm up after we found a stand with donuts and hot chocolate.
In no time the stadium was full. People were praying, many around us with rosaries in their hands. We heard people singing in the distance outside the stadium. Inside, the choirs and musical instruments were getting ready. A lady from El Salvador named Cecilia sat next to Danielle. She had arrived at 5:30 a.m. without a ticket. By 7:30 a.m. Cecilia was in her seat; some kind soul had offered her a ticket at the entrance.
The papal Mass was truly heaven on earth. The readings and the songs touched many cultures. The Holy Father’s homily was illuminating. We felt blessed that he said a short homily in Spanish, which was slightly different from the English version. His Spanish is excellent! Among the topics that resonated the most with us were that he is proud of America’s cultural and ethnic diversity while maintaining the belief in the one true God; that we must love our priests; that we, the laity, are called to help heal the wounds of those who have suffered through the wrongdoing of some clergy and other church members. His great wisdom and love was evident there before our eyes. It was clear he has great love and cares deeply about our country and its people.
Each of us was touched in a different way. For Camille, the procession was a special moment because that’s when she saw the Holy Father for the first time. Michael said his favorite part was the consecration because of the many cardinals, bishops, priests and deacons. Christian, 14, was impressed there were so many faithful present in this country that often seems godless. Danielle and I are more hopeful about the future of our country and the church in America.
In the holy sacrifice of the Mass presided by the Holy Father, our physical connection with the cornerstone of our faith, the Lord Jesus himself, became a living reality. The full meaning of our Lord’s words, “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church,” has been seared in our hearts. We have returned to Hawaii with a renewed sense of our mission in the church. We are most grateful to the Diocese of Honolulu for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
‘The pope’s message was one of hope and encouragement’
Dr. Sue Wesselkamper is the president of Chaminade University of Honolulu. The pope requested the presence of all American Catholic university presidents and Catholic school superintendents for a special address at The Catholic University of America.
By Sue Wesselkamper
The pope’s meeting with the presidents of Catholic Universities and diocesan superintendents of Catholic Schools was an exciting and inspiring event. I thought the pope’s message was one of hope and encouragement to those involved with Catholic education.
He expressed appreciation to the U.S. church for making education a high priority and especially to those religious communities of priest, brothers and sisters for their role in bringing Christian education to marginalized groups. His scholarly paper centered on the nature and identity of catholic schools and universities and focused on the challenges and opportunities they face.
‘He urged us to put our faith in Christ … to take the Lord at His word’
Linda Cacpal, a parishioner at St. Elizabeth Church in Aiea and her parish’s RCIA director, made the trip to the papal Mass in Yankee Stadium alone, but with a lot of support. She wrote a full journal account of her trip which will run in the next issue of the Hawaii Catholic Herald. What follows is a small excerpt.
By Linda Cacpal
I was eager for the homily. I was so proud of the Holy Father in all his homilies and messages during this pastoral visit — affirming our American heritage and urging us not to forget the foundations of our country, founded on religious freedom and pointing us to the true freedom of the sons and daughters of God. He urged us to put our faith in Christ … to take the Lord at His word … to persevere. And especially for our American ears, that “authority” and “obedience” are not unwelcome words, but might seem so for a nation founded on appreciating the gifts of personal freedom. I had heard him say on many occasions that obedience is a Christ-like virtue — one of total self-giving, giving without reserve. Our obedience can be a beautiful gift to God and for ourselves. Obedience, while it carries a sort of “binding” sound, really sets us free.
And of course, he made another special appeal to the youth — his “dear young friends” — to open their hearts to Christ, especially in vocations. Every time I hear an appeal for vocations I sort of wish I were young again. I’d be a missionary; I’d be a religious. But I have to trust that God had other plans for my life and needed me to take care of my parents in their frail years. They were Christ for me — needy and wanting my loving presence.
As we moved into the Liturgy of the Eucharist, I could feel us all focus on the great gift all priests give to us, the gift of the Lord’s Body and Blood on the altar of sacrifice. I was glad to see that for such a large assembly, we were all pretty much focused on Eucharist, quiet and listening to the voice of our Holy Father offer what is my favorite Eucharistic Prayer — the Roman Canon. I love hearing the names of the saints and martyrs — our heritage in faith, models in sanctity. I silently added our own St. Elizabeth and our Blesseds, Damien and Marianne, and all my sainted friends at St. Elizabeth’s and our dear pastors, Father Mike and Father Gordon.
That’s one thing I like about the Catholic Church — you’re never alone. Even when one is without biological family, the spiritual family of Jesus Christ sustains and supports you.
‘There was no animosity, only love in the presence of the Vicar of Christ’
Jim and Margy O’Brien, parishioners at Maria Lanakila Parish in Lahaina, traveled to Washington, D.C., for the papal visit with their daughter Teresa and friend Malia Vivian Poese. On route, they attended their grandson’s confirmation on April 4 in St. Louis, Mo.
By Jim and Margy O’Brien
The miracle was obvious even before we arrived at Nationals Park. Folks were pleasant everywhere, from the crowded Metro, to the lines politely waiting to go through security, to the crowded elevators, escalators and ramps. You could feel the camaraderie everywhere. No loud laughing or talking, everything was actually focused on what was about to occur — a church atmosphere.
We had dressed up for the occasion. Malia wore a blue dress that was handmade for the occasion by her cousin in Tonga and Jim wore a suit and tie for the first time in more than a decade.
Our seats were high in the fourth level and behind home plate — a “nosebleed” section. Fortunately, the altar was in center field and we had an unobstructed view of the entire liturgy. The altar was beautiful beyond description. The procession of bishops — we lost count after 236 — was thrilling. Then Pope Benedict circled the field in his popemobile. Everyone cheered him like teenagers cheering a rock star. Then the ministers processed before the pope from just below us all the way to the center field altar.
For us, the homily was about respect for one another, the dignity of each person, and God’s creations made to his image and likeness. It was about going forward and praying for those who were abused by our priests and for us, the laity, to do anything we can to ease the pain of this terrible scandal. Pope Benedict XVI’s message was also about hope and continued endurance and vigilance in our personal responsibility to spread the good news about our Lord Jesus and for each person to have a continuous faith formation.
Heavenly music from many choirs and soloists provided the proper atmosphere before, during and after the Mass. A highlight was tenor Placido Domingo singing “Panis Angelicus” after Communion. After the hymn, Pope Benedict and Mr. Domingo rushed toward each other and Mr. Domingo then knelt on one knee before the pope and kissed his ring.
We believe we experienced a preview of heaven in that ballpark. There was no anger or animosity, only love in the presence of the Vicar of Christ. Even the handful of hateful demonstrators outside could not penetrate the peace and joy of the blessed multitudes leaving the ballpark. Thank you, thank you, Diocese of Honolulu, for the tickets to this blessed event. The memories are a treasure.