Just a few quick hits on what I saw today. I will post a more reflective entry once the Holy Father has left our country -
The weather was absolutely fantastic – perfect day to hold a large open-aired Mass.
Watching the procession of priests and bishops is always an aesthetic pleaser – especially given their matching vestments. The reaction to the entrance of the Pope was about as loud as I have ever heard any ovation.
One of my former colleagues, who is now a seminarian, was one of the candle-bearers in the Papal procession. Pretty cool.
The Homily was fantastic, although I had a hard time understanding some of what the Holy Father was saying – I don’t pick up the German accent as well as I do other accented English. The full meaning didn’t come upon me until I read the sermon, which can be found here.
I’ll chime in with what a lot of others have said – I thought the music was sub-par, but not for the reasons that many others (which apparently included Raymond Arroyo and Fr. Neuhaus, from what I hear) have said. My concern was with the lack of continuity within the music. Too many distinct styles make for a sort of cacophony. I don’t care for the Mass of Creation, but it is a servicable set of parts – it just didn’t fit with the particular version of the Gloria and Agnus Dei used, as well as the other hymn selections.
Getting a close-up of the Papal cathedra, it looked real comfortable. No wonder the Pope only administered the Eucharist for five minutes!
Most importantly, this was the first time Nationals Park was actually sold out! *Rim shot*
Tags: Apostolic Visit, Catholic Church, Mass, Pope Benedict XVI
