Wednesday, April 12, 2000
- St. Peter’s Square, Vatican
Here we are at last, attending the Papal Audience in celebration of our 26th Wedding
Anniversary at St. Peter's Square. The rain intermittently continued during our first four
days in Rome. Now, dark clouds above assure us that it will rain again.
The pope recently returned from his pilgrimage to the Holy Land. What if he is not
feeling well? We were forewarned that invitations for wedding couples were not guaranteed.
Having arrived at the Embassy, one hour before the Audience, we were relieved to know
that our invitation was hand delivered from the Vatican this morning |
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While handing our "red invitation", the Embassy official tells
us that our seats will most likely be in the back. |
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The sample invitation to the right are for Newly Weds. |
We cross the street and follow one of several metal
detector queues just unpacked the previous night. We feel embarrassed and out of place in
our formal clothes. Pilgrims carry flags from different nations. Many wear colorful
outfits to distinguish their groups. Italians applaud ‘auguri’
meaning ‘best wishes’. There must be around 100,000 people filling
about one third of St. Peter’s Square and most seats are occupied. Those without
tickets are asked to remain behind the shoulder high – clothe covered railings. Music
and singing can be heard from the BOSE loud speakers throughout the square. We show our
invitation to a volunteer who ushers us to the center of the square, where another line
forms. We pass through several uniformed guards and countless volunteers in blue. One
official looks at our invitation and point towards the statue of Moses. |
In the background is the base of the statue of Moses.
| Having flashed our invitation, Swiss guards nod in gesture to the seating
area to the left below the papal canopy. A distinguished gentleman in formal
‘tails’ seats us with the newly weds in the second row. We can’t believe
our luck – we’re actually seating in front! |
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Time to visit the powder room to arrange my veil. |
| We were afraid the showers would turn out to be a downpour of RAIN! |
Just as we settle in our seats and get to know the
other couples, the rain begins to drizzle again. Rey runs to get an umbrella, while
Marilou joins others for cover.
The clock above shows five past ten and suddenly, the dark clouds
dissipate letting the brilliant sun shine bright at the square. Everyone begins to stand,
wave flags and cheer, drowning out the music.Our hearts are filled with excitement as we
too join in calling out "PAPA - PAPA"!.
Near the statue of Moses, we can see Pope John Paul II standing high on
his white mobile crossing the square, turn right at the statue of St. Peter and then up to
his canopy in front of the Basilica. One can see that the square is really full. This is better than watching "Titanic"! |
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The Pope on his way to his seat!
The Ambassador told us Monday not to worry, (except for two occasions) the sun always
shine when the Holy Father holds his audience!!! INDEED SHE
WAS RIGHT! |
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A reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew - and then
recognition of pilgrims from various English Speaking nations. |
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Blessing.
After the General Blessing of the Audience, the cardinals went up to the pope, followed
by dignitaries. |
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