Meeting with Pope 'moving

Even though he spent less than ten minutes alone with Pope John Paul II last week, Bishop Howard J. Hubbard of the Albany Diocese described the encounter as inspiring.

Eighteen bishops from New York State's eight dioceses were in Rome Oct. 3-9 for their "ad limina" visits, which heads of dioceses are required to make every five years to report on the status of their dioceses.

In addition to meeting the pope privately and as a group, the bishops concelebrated Mass at the tombs of Ss. Peter and Paul, and held meetings with Vatican officials.

"It is always moving to be with the Holy Father," said Bishop Hubbard. "His health has failed since I last saw him in 2002, but he still has his magnetism, his dynamism and his determination -- he's inspiring."

Even though his time with Pope John Paul has been reduced, Bishop Hubbard said he was not complaining.

"I've been a bishop for 27 years," he said. "My first 'ad limina' was in 1978 with Pope Paul VI. Back then, the bishops saw him only as a group. It was Pope John Paul who introduced multiple opportunities to be with him. We are all aware of his age and infirmity, and almost feel guilty for taking more of his time."

(Next week: The Bishop's diary of his trip to Rome.)

(10/14/04)