Papal Mass

Giddy up. Our hour for the Papal Mass had arrived. Some struggles getting in to St. Peter's Square. But after that, all we did was enjoy the ride. 

What a gift the priesthood is. So fun to mingle with all these brothers and concelebrate the Mass with Pope Leo XIV. 

Josh and Jared got in line early and we came in late, thinking we had a direct line. However, the only line we found was the one through security. This was not looking good, as the line was moving, but not moving fast enough for us to get to our spots in time. So, Shea and I kicked-a-little by showing our concelebrating tickets, and were able to get in directly. Thanks be to God!

Fortunately, everybody was able to eventually get in, I think. Numbers suggest that there was a 80,000 pilgrims in attendance. 

Arrived. This place is a well oiled machine. The Vatican is well equipped to handle a crowd. 

Once in the priest section, I ran into a couple old seminary buddies from my Mount Angel days, Fr. Cody Ross and Fr. Michael Dion. Good stuff. 

This was a nice surprise, a Jubilee Year stole and chasuble. 

The canonization happened right at the beginning of Mass.

The majority of the Mass was in Latin. These missalettes were super helpful. We were close enough that Mass participation was easy. This is the language of the canonization declaration; strong and definitive. What I like to say about canonized saints, is that they made the Holy Hall of Fame. The Church is not sending them to Heaven, only confirming that they are in Heaven and worthy of public veneration. It also doesn't mean they are the only ones there. Being canonized means that they played the game of life well and are good models of Christian virtue to follow. Saints Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis, pray for us! 

Mass was beautiful. And afterwards, Pope Leo made the rounds in the Pope Mobile. Good stuff! 

It was for this reason that I have come! This has been my big ticket item all summer, and I was not disappointed. In a sense, my experience at this canonization Mass was a lot like I envision Heaven being. Reunion with old and new friends. Joy being had by all. God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit being tangibly present to us. Fun time. It's cool to be Catholic. Thanks be to God for this opportunity and for the Holy example these boys left for us. Let's keep ranching, Catholic Cowboy style.