Journalists and Communications staff working on behalf of the Diocese of Trenton in Philadelphia last week to cover the World Meeting of Families and Papal Visit racked up an impressive collection of statistics:  Dozens of interviews and stories filed; thousands of photographs taken, hours of video shot and scores of social media updates posted. 

Much of their work is reflected in this special issue, and some of it is being produced for projects to come.

But that is only half the story.

In order to complete their assignments and bring this important content to the people of the Diocese, many of these dedicated professionals took buses, trains and subways into the city, reported to media checkpoints at dawn, waited on security lines for hours and walked more than 200 city blocks or some 30 miles – as reported by their fitbits – throughout the week, some while carrying equipment that got heavier by the hour.  

While working in the Chancery, which served as a base camp of sorts, I was getting status reports via text from “the field”:  “My legs are on fire, and there’s 20 blocks to go.”  “I have been on this security line for four hours with no end in sight.” 

Even with coveted media credentials, the closest that some of them could get was to wait among the throngs to catch a glimpse of the Holy Father passing in the popemobile or watch the events on the jumbotrons. 

And yet, they didn’t seem to mind.  They knew going in that it would not be easy, and they weren’t disappointed.  It was to be a test of their sense of mission; their professionalism, even their physical stamina.  And yes, they wanted to be part of history and be able to say, “I was there.” 

I wish to thank these journalist pilgrims for their dedicated work and tireless spirit, as well as the many individuals who assisted back here in the Diocese with parish and school coverage and other aspects of our work.  Without their collective efforts we wouldn’t have been able to provide you with the unique story of how the Catholic community in the Diocese of Trenton experienced the extraordinary and historic visit of Pope Francis, and all that came with it.

The pages that follow truly tell an amazing story. The people, Catholics and non-Catholics alike, who followed all or part of the Holy Father’s visit in the media, have a sense of its impressive scope and the far-reaching impact of his message. However, it is another matter altogether to see reports and images from the U.S. visit collected and presented in one place. It is stunning to realize that the Holy Father, in the span of just five days, visited so many different places, met with so many different groups, and touched countless lives through his words and presence.

It has been our distinct pleasure and privilege to chronicle this incredible papal visit, but also to report some of the extraordinary ways that the members of this diocesan family celebrated the Pope’s time with us, participated in the different events and were ultimately changed by the experience.  This reporting would not have been possible without the many pilgrims from the Diocese who shared with us their videos, photos, stories and reflections.  Their contributions are included in a special pull-out section of this issue, and have been shared out on digital and social media. Through their eyes and ears, we can get an idea of what it was like to be there, to see the Holy Father’s motorcade pass, to pray with him and for him, and to take part in Mass with hundreds of thousands of their brothers and sisters in faith.

As monumental as this experience has been, it stands to reason that it cannot be fully captured in this one special issue.  We encourage our readers to go to TrentonMonitor.com, where we have posted videos, photo galleries, expanded reports and columns on the Holy Father’s visit. 

In closing, we add our voices to the resounding prayer rising from the faithful in the United States – giving thanks for the gift of Pope Francis and asking God to continue to bless his apostolic mission.