Pope Francis made his U.S. debut last week in Washington, D.C., New York City, and Philadelphia. This six-day tour of some of the United States’ largest cities was a historic occasion that mobilized Catholics and non-Catholics, throughout the nation.
The Pontiff arrived in Washington D.C. last Tuesday, where he was greeted by President Obama. The Pope was then given the opportunity to address a joint-session of Congress. This speech by Francis marked the first time in American history that a pope has addressed the nation’s highest legislative body. The Pope’s speech marked a significant change in the status of Catholicism in America. Just over 50 years ago the United States elected it first Catholic president, with John F. Kennedy’s election in 1960.
St. Lawrence students greeted the Pontiff in both Washington and Philadelphia. Jenna Mead ’17 is currently taking part in St. Lawrence’s semester program in Washington, D.C. Like other St. Lawrence students in D.C., Mead has an internship, however the Pope’s visit let her have a day off. “Most businesses told employees to work from home for Wednesday and Thursday,” said Mead.
As the Pontiff’s visit approached, Mead said that rather then battle the crowds of well-wishers waiting to greet the Pope, she would enjoy the festivities from the comforts of her own home. “I am Roman Catholic, I mean the Pope is my man, but the fight to go see him would be just that, a true fight. I ended up watching his parade on TV while I “tele-worked.”
Other Laurentians in the nation’s capital, however, decided to head outdoors and see Pope Francis for themselves. John Hicks ’15, moved to Washington in July after graduating from St. Lawrence. Like Mead, Hicks’ office gave him the opportunity to work from home, however he decided to head out into the crowds. “My view of the pope was the fiat speeding by and then a white speck on the Capitol balcony from my office’s conference room,” said Hicks. “It was still pretty cool though,” he added.
After visiting New York City and addressing the United Nations, the Pope made his way to Philadelphia where more Laurentians were prepared to greet the leader of the world’s largest Christian denomination.
Early on Friday morning, 15 members of St. Lawrence’s Newman Campus Ministry Club boarded a bus to Philadelphia to see the Pontiff. The SLU students were joined by Catholic students from SUNY Potsdam, SUNY Canton, and Clarkson.
On Saturday, the group attended an event featuring the Pontiff called “The World Meeting of Families.” The event included performers such as Aretha Franklin and Jim Gaffigan. The arrival of the Pope prompted large amounts of applause. “You could tell where the Pope was just based on the enthusiasm of the crowd,” said Sylvie Choiniere ’16.
In his speech to the group, the Pope highlighted the important role that families play in Catholic theology around the World. “Seeing him speak a number of different languages, showed that there is no barrier to the intense connection that the Pontiff has to people of all backgrounds,” added Choiniere.
For those in attendance the experience of seeing the Pope in the United States was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. “Seeing the Holy Father in person is a feeling that no can explain,” added Choiniere.
The St. Lawrence students headed back to Canton after attending a Mass with the Pontiff on Sunday. The group arrived back on campus at 4:30 am after a weekend that none of them will forget.