Today Pope Francis begins his visit to Cuba, which means that he will be here in the USA in 3 days! Here in Washington the excitement is reaching fever pitch as barricades and banners appear on our block and the stage for the Papal Mass is nearing completion on the steps of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.
Earlier this week we had a Papal Welcome Day, during which we learned more about the corporal and spiritual works of mercy, the life of Pope Francis and the World Meeting of Families. We viewed the recent 20/20 episode where the Pope visited with Americans in 3 cities, and had a Pope Party complete with Papal trivia and Argentinian Alfajores and Empanaditas. This party marked the official, festive reopening of our cafe after months of renovations. We are so happy to be back in our daily hang-out space!
Here in D.C. 3 Little Sisters have been invited to attend the Papal welcome ceremony at the White House lawn Wednesday morning, Sept. 23.
Later that day over 30 of us will be in the outdoor crowd for the Papal Mass at the National Shrine of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, while our novices will be inside the Basilica with other young religious and seminarians from around the country.
We can’t wait to see the staging for the Mass. A member of our Association Jeanne Jugan who is an architecture professor at Catholic University was part of the design team for the stage and altar; and we were asked to loan our chapel’s large and beautiful crucifix for the Mass. We feel so honored knowing that a piece of our chapel will help set the stage for the Holy Father’s Mass!
After Mass the Holy Father will pass by our house on his way to the John Paul II Seminary. Will he stop in for a visit? Our Residents sure hope so!
