On Pope Patrol Throughout the Night
2:18: I’ve always wanted to see the Popemobile. But as the pope passed by to applause and cheers of “Benedicto! Benedicto! Benedicto!” I couldn’t help but feel a little sad. It’s unfortunate that bulletproof glass is a necessary evil for a man who says he’s on a mission to spread peace.
12:35: I grew up going to church every Sunday. Mom and Dad would get the four of us kids dressed up for the 10 a.m. mass. If we were lucky they’d buy us doughnuts from the CYO afterward.
I am not a regular churchgoer now, but the mass is still very familiar to me. There is such uniformity that no matter where in the world you are, if you find yourself in a Catholic mass, you can’t help but feel like you’re home.
It was like that for me today while sitting outside St Patrick’s Cathedral, observing, as part of the media. Audio of the pope saying mass was pumped out through speakers, so I was able to follow along while working.
Throughout it, I heard certain cues and knew when it was time to kneel, stand or make the sign of the cross. But nothing struck me more than when it was time for the sign of peace. I instinctively looked to my left and right to shake someone’s hand and say, “Peace be with you.” I’ve always felt there is something very energizing about that part of the mass, as you hug and kiss your family and shake the hands of any stranger within reach.
I saw that energy in the faces of all the faithful lined up outside of the Cathedral, listening to the mass they know so well … just like me.
8:13 am: Some of us in the media have been here since 3 p.m. yesterday and all through the night, preparing for the pope’s arrival at St Patrick’s Cathedral.
Thousands of people are lined up for blocks to catch a glimpse of the pope — Bill Hemmer and the rest of us crew have a front row seat.
The bishops who will be attending the mass just arrived.
Kathleen Foster has been with FNC as a field producer since 1996. She
says she’s never had a dull day, with her job taking her all around the
world – from the New York bureau to the Middle East. 
wish I’ve been there too, just a little envious but really, I am so glad of all the networks only FOX covered it all, we sure needed more of this more uplifting events in time of great challenges we face now, couldn’t be more sweeter than this. Thanks to you and FOX.
It’s unfortunate that someone tried to assassinate the last Pope, resulting in the need for bullet-proof glass in the first place. And, yes, he IS on a mission to spread peace, and hope. Especially hope. Come back to the sacraments. The sign of peace is just the tip of the iceberg. Wait until you receive the Eucharist!
Apparently the person complaining about the popemobile isn’t old enough to remember the event that sadly necessitated its invention - the attempt on the life of JohnPaul II in 1981, I believe. As we all know, just going out into the world with nothing but peace and love in your heart unfortunately doesn’t protect anyone from the hate and violence in the world.
I’ve been watching FoxNews coverage of the Pope’s visit and, I know commercials are necessary, but honestly - cutting to a Michelob commercial in the middle of the Ave Maria?
MS FOSTER
MS FOSTER
You haven’t been a regular church-goer? This is code for, I HAVEN’T GONE IN YEARS> Hmm, this is not good my child. Would you like to confess anymore sins, my dear? Like something really good. Like maybe something that you did on you’re prom night, that you’re not to proud of. Or maybe something that you did pledging for a sorority. Something you haven’t talked about since.
Well my dear, if you have nothing else to confess, say 3 Our Fathers and 1 Hail Mary and go in peace
Kathleen,
As a college student and an avid Catholic attending a very secular college, I would like to reach out to you during this very sacred and holy time that you have been so blessed with. In a world, that you know, has tried so furvently to silence the good that can come from any religion, let alone the Catholic faith, I ask you to take another look at the Church. Not the church where priests take liberties, “make up” portions of the Mass, or abuse. But the official Church that we know as universal. The Church that you have seen in the eyes of our loving Pope. Our Papa. Our Holy Father.
I truly and whole heartedly believe EVERYTHING that the Catholic Church teaches and professes and I take great confidence and peace from it. In in world of “relativism” that our Shepherd continues to repeat, the Church that you grew up with is still the same that professes that there is one Way. And He, Jesus, is the “the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). If I may ask, take a moment from your very busy day of running around and ask the Lord to help you on your journey. And to show you the Way.
Remember, amist all of the rotten Catholics that may be out there. Please know that the Church, though some members may be lead astray, has been and is purified by Christ. You can see this is the eyes and the face of our beloved Pope Benedict XVI. Please give OUR Church another look.
God’s blessings,
Mike
To all of your Commentators Thank you for doing such a wonderful job. Your coverage of the Pope’s visit was Great.
As a practicing Catholic I can’t help but take pride in the Pope’s visit . He was inspiring and brought Hope to all people. His faith is strong and his love shined through. His visit with the handicapped blessing them. and reaching out to people along the way brought tears to my eyes. I was not able to go to New York but had a front row seat for everything Thanks to Fox News.
I feel you did a Super job.
God Bless joan
Rather a rude comment by some about confession… such a beautiful sacrament of Mercy and forgiveness… sure hope though, that you (Kathleen) did not recieve the Eucharist, since you have been away from the sacrments for a while, but also pray you will come back home soon! Such peace and joy await you in Christ’s Church!
Thanks for the great coverage!
Judy