Another beautiful day in Rome!  A little chilly when we left for St. Peter's and the Papal Audience scheduled for 10:30.  I secured special reserved tickets on the stage near the Pope for the priests --- really great seats.  There was no waiting in line and we were escorted promptly to our seats.  There really is a little advantage having a bishop along!

Around 10 o'clock, the Popemobile appeared with the Holy Father inside, smiling, waving and stopping occasionally to kiss a child or bless someone. Bands were playing and people cheered wildly "Papa Francesco!". His energy and broad smile caught on like wildfire.

Msgr. William Mullay from the Diocese of Bridgeport, an old friend, gave instructions regarding the audience and, to my surprise, announced, "We welcome visitors from the United States, especially pilgrims from the Diocese of Trenton accompanied by their Bishop, Bishop David O'Connell."   A nice "shout out" for us.  Msgr. Bill came down to greet me and I thanked him. I was seated in the chairs reserved for the cardinals and bishops, directly across the stage from our priests.  The Pope’s personal secretary, Msgr. George Ganswein, also came over to express welcome saying, "I remember you so well from Washington.  Good to see you."

As the Popemobile stopped in the center of the piazza at the steps, the Holy Father swiftly made his way to the Chair set up for him.

But, before ascending the stairs, he turned to greet the soccer team from Genoa, Italy.  With his secretary, Msgr. George Ganswein, close by, the Pope sat down after making the sign of the cross and greeting us.

I loved seeing the smiles on or priests faces as the Holy Father began a catechetical series on the sacraments, baptism in particular.  His talk, in Italian, was brief but excellent.  He interspersed it with humor and points of emphasis eliciting shouts in response from the crowd.  Priests representing several language groups gave summaries.

After the audience and special greeting from the Pope, the crowd stood and sung the Our Father in Latin before receiving the Apostolic Blessing.  The cardinals and bishops were escorted to personally greet Pope Francis.  As I approached, he opened his arms and said "My Lazarist  (Vincentian) friend--- I had been with him several times the week before. "How are your priests on pilgrimage?  I prayed for them this week.  Please prayer me." We embraced and I left the stage with great joy.  I'll never forget the day.

Afterwards, our priests fanned out for some walks and tours.  I had an appointment at the Congregation of the Doctrine of Faith at noon and Msgr. Mullelly, Vicar for Clergy, joined by Jason also.  It was a very important meeting and I was happy to receive the Congregation's direction.  After an hour, we enjoyed some lunch at Arlu on the Borgo Pio, one of my favorite spots in Rome.  We enjoyed a "carbonara trifecta" and Jason said it was the best he has ever had in Rome.

Most of the Fathers went their separate ways or in small groups.  Some took a little siesta.

Jason and I were invited to a private chamber concert in the apartment of Cardinal Rode, prefect emeritus of the Congregation for Religious. He is a Vincentian like me and his secretary, Fr. Matej Pavlic, spent part of his summer last year at St. James Parish in Red Bank learning English and working with Msgr. Philip Lowery and his priests.  Matej loved his month there.

Jason and I met up with a friend of his, had supper and returned to Bonus Pastor for some fraternity and digestivi. Tomorrow, I have some appointments at the Vatican  but the group is headed to Subiaco ad Montecassino.