Here comes Pope Benedict!
The Popemobile is coming down from the Mount of Olives to the Kidron Valley where Mass was celebrated this afternoon.
I was lucky to get a ticket. There was room for only about 6,000 in the outdoor place that was quickly created for this occasion.It was an experience never to be forgotten (and I'm not even Christian)!
Please click to enlarge the photos.
Trust me, the Pope is in there, behind the glass. You can see his nose and one eye between the two hands on the right, below the little Palestinian flag.
Benedict XVI has been in Israel since yesterday, and very busy; but today was the first time I've seen him smiling, waving, eyes shining, happy.
The crowd was cheering, and he was about to celebrate Mass--he was in his element.
Benedict XVI has been in Israel since yesterday, and very busy; but today was the first time I've seen him smiling, waving, eyes shining, happy.
The crowd was cheering, and he was about to celebrate Mass--he was in his element.
The Mass was sung and read in Latin and Arabic.The Pope's homily and Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Fouad Twal's message were both in English.
Eucharist.
White umbrellas appeared in the crowd as a sign of where to go to receive Communion.
The Mass is ended. Pope Benedict goes in peace.
The Mass is ended. Pope Benedict goes in peace.
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UPDATE: Almost forgot what day it is. So to make this post suitable for Q day at ABC Wednesday, how about this Latin proverb? --
Quidquid latine dictum sit, altum videtur. Translation: "Anything said in Latin sounds profound."
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UPDATE: Almost forgot what day it is. So to make this post suitable for Q day at ABC Wednesday, how about this Latin proverb? --
Quidquid latine dictum sit, altum videtur. Translation: "Anything said in Latin sounds profound."
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That stage set is something else.
ReplyDeleteYou were quite close. You've definitely got his nose. All I got for World Youth Day was his arm in the window of a speeding car. It really is his arm - trust me.
ReplyDeleteWow, I feel that I was there, Dina!
ReplyDeleteAloha
I'm glad you got a ticket, it must've been a very interesting occasion. The backdrop is great.
ReplyDeleteI'm very glad to see these nice pictures. They are all very interesting: from the arrival of Pope Benedict to the Mass.
ReplyDeleteDina, why don't you become Christian???! I'm joking, of course (or... perhaps)! :-)
I'm glad you were able to experience it. It looks a little overwhelming to me.
ReplyDeletequid pro quo!
ReplyDeletethank you for bringing us these lovely images
Terrific, Dina! You really caught the energy and excitement of the occasion. Thank you for sharing the joy with us.
ReplyDeleteI'm no friend of the current pope, but your photos still make me wish I had been there, so much excitement.
ReplyDeleteI saw it on the news and it is nice to have your first hand account of the event. I hope his visit will further promote the peace at your region.
ReplyDeleteTHAT IS PROFOUND!!!!!!! AH AH AH AH AH!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteDina, I'm so happy that you were able to get a ticket. I know how hard those are to come by. Thanks for your personal account of this historic visit.
ReplyDeleteDeus Vobiscum - God be with you!
Dina, Yes, I think that it's okay to show the faces of the Nuns. As the Vocation Director for a religious community I think it's helpful to see men and women Religious in habit. There are so few of us these days it's a good reminder to people, and a good witness, too. Thanks for your sensitivity.
ReplyDeleteNice!
ReplyDeleteWow, lucky you to get a place to see this. With you we're right there! I'm not a catholic and never was overly impressed with the views the various Popes I've known have expressed over the world in general but an event such as this is always worth seeing.
ReplyDeleteYou say nothing about the Pope's words. Were they inspiring? (I had to laugh at your "Q" quote!)
I'm sorry I can't visit every day but I did go back to your previous posts and was delighted to follow your link to the Iranian Salt Men. What a story!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great experience that must have been for you Dina. Thanks for the photo report. It's very interesting to see things from your personal point of view.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad I found the Q connection! that means I am in the right place!
ReplyDeleteYour posting on the Pope is excellent. It is great to hear about this from a person's point of view who actually lives there. Thanks!
Very interesting....This is the closest I've ever been to the pope!
ReplyDelete