The Papal Visit

As details on Pope Francis’ U.S. visit emerge,
excitement builds in Diocese

CLIFTON  Last week, the Vatican announced the schedule for Pope Francis’ September apostolic journey to the United States creating much excitement throughout the diocese as Catholic Americans await the visit of the Vicar of Christ.

After visiting Cuba, the Pope will visit the U.S. Sept. 22 to 27 making stops in Washington D.C., New York City and Philadelphia where he will celebrate the closing Mass for the World Meeting of Families [see story at right for full schedule].

Father Michael Rodak, diocesan director of the pilgrimage office and pastor of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, West Milford, said, “One of the Pope’s messages has always been about healing and bringing people together. People are eager for his visit to the United States because of his openness. As he comes to America, I think about his many homilies, which are often about everyday prudent things. Hopefully, he brings America back to the basics — common to all — about human dignity and also about expressing the love of Christ.”

Currently, Father Rodak is reviewing possible plans for the diocesan faithful to see the pope during his U.S. journey. Unlike previous papal visits by St. Pope John Paul II and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, the concluding papal Mass in Philadelphia with Pope Francis, there will be no tickets or seating. With 1.5 million people expected to attend the open-air Mass along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, planning for it has added concerns about safety, weather and standing for many hours.

With New York City being the closest city to the Diocese during the pope’s visit, Father Rodak is also considering the possibility of a pilgrimage to the city. While all events with the Pope in New York City are closed to the public or exclusively for parishioners in the Archdiocese of New York, the faithful might be able to see the Pope by way of his motorcade through the streets. Father Rodak said, “I remember as a kid, my grandfather took me and my mother by bus to New York City to see Pope John Paul II. It was raining as we stood on a street corner and the Pope and his caravan drove by slowly enough for us to see him. Even though, it wasn’t an event, it’s something I won’t ever forget.”

The purpose of the Pope’s visit centers on the World Meeting of Families (WMF), which will take place for the first time in the United States in Philadelphia and will be held Sept. 22 to 25. The International Congress will have thousands of participants from all around the world attend.

Eni Honsberger, diocesan director of the Office of Family Life, will be representing the Diocese at the WMF and hopes to see the Pope while in Philadelphia. “It’s wonderful that the Pope is coming to the United States. He’s so popular, especially in our country,” she said. “Having him here will definitely spark up a liveliness in all people that may have faded away in light of what is going on in our country. I’m excited for his presence here.”

Registration is still open for anyone that would like to participate at the Congress. “Without families our world would cease to exist,” Honsberger said. “Now, more than ever, it is important that Catholics come together and make stronger families, especially as the idea of family is being attacked.”

As more specific information on each event during the papal trip is released, Father Rodak will update pastors and the faithful about any possible trips. “Pope Francis has a message that is simple and we have to go back to the basics, which is to be kind and help our brothers and sisters in the world.” Father Rodak said. “I think it’s a theme that resonates with Americans. Hopefully people will listen and our future in this country will be much brighter.”

[Information: worldmeeting2015.org].