MY DIARY OF PAPAL VISIT

During Pope Benedict XVI's visit to the U.S. last week, Bishop Howard J. Hubbard kept an "audio diary" of his many encounters with the pope. Here is a transcript of his daily reports.

APRIL 16

As I boarded Southwest Airlines in Albany for the hour-long trip to Baltimore/Washington International Airport, an elderly woman who had required assistance to board called out enthusiastically: "Father, I'm on my way to see the Pope! I was taught by Mary Ann Glendon [the present U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican]. She got me a ticket. I'm so excited. It's the thrill of a lifetime."

Her obvious glee to be present for Pope Benedict XVI's first papal visit to the United States set off a swirl of memories of my own papal encounters over the years.

My first papal sighting was in the fall of 1960 when, as a new seminarian at the North American College in Rome, I attended a beatification presided over by Pope John XXIII, the so-called "Good Pope."

Roman memories

I remember vividly his entry in St. Peter's Basilica, carried by eight papal attendants on the "sedia justatorum."

John XXIII was a portly man and very self-effacing. Indeed, it is rumored that when the cardinals were processing into the Sistine Chapel for the 1958 papal election, a nun whispered to her companion, "He's too old and ugly to be the Pope."

Overhearing her sharp observation, the soon-to-be-elected pontiff responded, "But, Sister, it's a conclave, not a beauty contest."

Vatican II

While chosen as a caretaker at the age of 78, following the 20-year reign of the princely Pius XII, John XXIII exceeded everyone's expectations by convening the Second Vatican Council, which became the watershed event of 20th-century Catholicism and the most noteworthy occurrence in the Church since the Council of Trent had been convened to deal with the fallout from the Reformation.

John XXIII evidenced his peasant roots and radiated a joy and affability that were contagious. By opening the windows of Church to the fresh air of change, his legacy -- liturgical and scriptural renewal, ecumenical and interfaith dialogue, religious liberty and an understanding of the Church not as a hierarchy but as the people of God -- continues to bear rich fruit.

Inspiration

While I never met him personally, over the next three years, I was always inspired any time I attended a papal ceremony.

I remember vividly the keen sense of loss I experienced on that warm June evening in 1963, when I had the opportunity to pass his coffin while he laid in state.

His diary, "The Journal of A Soul," is a spiritual treasure which continues to guide me.

Second pope

His successor, Pope Paul VI, was a diplomat by training; because of his intimate knowledge of the Vatican bureaucracy, he really was the perfect choice to bring to completion and, above all, to implement the norms and reforms of the Second Vatican Council.

In contrast to John XXIII, Paul was a frail figure with a patrician bearing. The perpetually dark circles beneath his eyes reflected the intensity of his manner and the burdens he experienced in carrying forward the will of the Council Fathers, despite the strong movement among some ecclesiastical hard-liners for retrenchment.

After my ordination to the priesthood, Paul VI received my classmates and our families in a private audience at the Papal Palace. He was very gracious -- and grateful to the priests and family members for the gifts of their sons and brothers to the service of the Church.

Meeting

My only personal encounter with Paul VI occurred in April 1978 on the occasion of my first ad limina visit to Rome following my ordination as a bishop the previous year.

He appeared very weak and was obviously in poor health (he would die four months later). Nonetheless, he received the bishops from New York State on their five-year visit warmly, and with words of great hope and encouragement.

His love for the Church and his zeal for the apostolic mission of Jesus were palpable. The photo I have of his presenting me with religious souvenirs to mark the visit is my favorite.

Three in one

Pope Paul's death gave rise to the year of the three popes. The patriarch of Venice, Albino Luciani, was selected as his successor and took the name Pope John Paul I. His radiant smile and gregarious amiability captured the world's imagination. Unfortunately, his tenure was short-lived.

In early fall, I was awakened at two in the morning by a reporter who wanted a comment on the pope's death. My initial reaction was that the call must be some type of prank. "Of course, he died, two months ago," I replied. "Why solicit a comment now, in the middle of the night no less!"

Unfortunately, John Paul I had suffered a sudden and fatal heart attack, and the genial promise of his papacy died with him.

Long reign

Yet God would not leave the Church orphaned long, and the College of Cardinals soon elected the Archbishop of Krakow, Poland, Karol Wojtyla, is the new successor of St. Peter. The new pope chose the name John Paul II, honoring his two immediate predecessors.

A relatively young man of 58, he was to reign for 27 years (1978-2005) and has garnered the accolade "Pope John Paul the Great."

He took the papacy global through his pastoral visits to every continent, and he was a prolific writer, teacher and preacher. I recall some of his papal events that I was privileged to witness here in the United States:

* decrying the gap between the rich and the poor in the "House that Ruth Built," Yankee Stadium;

* standing in Battery Park against the backdrop of the Statute of Liberty, exhorting our nation to be true to its heritage of "welcoming the tired, the poor, the huddled masses yearning to be free";

* hugging Tony Mendez, the guitarist with no arms at the conclusion of his remarkable performance at Madison Square Garden;

* mesmerizing youth assembled at Denver for World Youth Day, and feeding off their enthusiasm and adulation.

One-on-one

Most especially, I remember my personal encounters with John Paul II during ad limina visits: concelebrating the Eucharist in his private chapel and dining at his table and meeting with him one-on-one in the papal library.

I was always impressed by the sincerity of his interest, the clarity of his vision, his apostolic zeal and fraternal affection, as well as by the prayerful demeanor he exuded.

I was most struck by the way he bore the burden of age and infirmity -- not hiding or denying his steady decline of physical prowess or mental stamina, but embracing it, and witnessing to the power of suffering to lead us to that eternal life for which we are placed on earth and to which we are destined.

Another pope

John Paul II left a long shadow for the man I was about to encounter, Benedict XVI.

I was greeted in Baltimore by three of our seminarians, James Ebert, Quy Vo and Matt Wetsel, who generously drove me to my hotel.

James and Quy will be ordained to the diaconate next month, and I could think of no better spiritual preparation for this diaconal ministry of service than the opportunity they would have the next day to celebrate the Eucharist with the Servant of the Servants of God.

At 3:30 p.m., the bishops were escorted by Capitol Police to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., where we were to celebrate evening prayer with Pope Benedict and hear his message to the U.S. hierarchy.

Familiar face

Entering the Basilica, I sighted a familiar face, Rev. Kenneth J. Doyle, our chancellor and pastor of St. Catherine of Siena parish in Albany.

Father Doyle looked like a diligent scoutmaster, leading his eager charges (the Vatican's photo journalist corps) on their determined mission.

I know Sister Mary Ann Walsh, a former staff writer for The Evangelist and now the media relations specialist for our Bishops' Conference, is delighted to have such a veteran of papal pilgrimages to assist in handling the more than one thousand radio, TV and newspaper personnel credentialed for this papal visit,

With the pope

We gathered in the crypt church of the Shrine, of which I have fond memories from my time as a graduate student at The Catholic University of America. The daily liturgies celebrated there were a source of great spiritual nourishment during those somewhat tedious and cloistered days.

Following solemn evening prayer, the president of our U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, greeted the pontiff in our name and welcomed him as a Father and Brother in Christ.

The Holy Father began his address by praising the Church in the United States for our faith and fervor, for the marvelous network of educational, healthcare and human services we have developed, and for the generosity of our people to needs beyond our own borders, citing specifically our response to the 2004 tsunami in Southeast Asia.

Papal message

While acknowledging our nation's successful experiment with religious pluralism, Pope Benedict expressed concern that we not fall into the trap of treating religion as a purely private matter -- divorcing our Sunday worship from the business and social practices of our work week.

He asked, "Is it consistent to profess our beliefs in church on Sunday and then, during the week, to promote business practices or medical procedures contrary to those beliefs? Is it consistent for practicing Catholics to ignore or exploit the poor and marginalized, to promote sexual behavior contrary to Catholic moral teaching or to adopt positions that contradict the right to life of every human being from conception to natural death?"

He challenged us further to bring our religious voice and moral teaching to the public forum and to make such a leaven for society.

Further thoughts

The Holy Father reminded us that, without God, ultimately our lives are empty. Thus, the focus of the Church's preaching, sacramental ministry and liturgical life must be to nurture in people a deep relationship with Jesus, our life and our hope.

Our efforts at faith formation and evangelization must be geared primarily to a formation of the heart, the pope stated.

He noted further that if we are to accomplish our mission, we cannot do so imbued with the individualism that permeates our cultural, but we must do so collectively, as members of the redeemed community of the People of God.

Abuse scandal

Pope Benedict identified two critical concerns. The first is a decline of the institution of marriage and the family as the foundation of society, especially the tendency on the part of young people to postpone marriage, often living in cohabitation or foregoing marriage all together.

The second concern was the enormous pain suffered by clergy sexual abuse.

Echoing the comments he made at the outset of his trip about how ashamed he was by this scandal and by the way it was sometimes handled by bishops like myself, our Holy Father urged us bishops to be vigilant in fulfilling "our God-given responsibilities as pastors to bind up the wounds created by this betrayal of trust and to intensify our efforts to foster healing, to promote reconciliation, and to reach out with loving concern to those so seriously wronged."

Context

Benedict underscored that the Church "must address the sin of abuse within the wider context of sexual mores. What does it mean to speak of child protection," he asked, "when pornography and violence can be viewed in so many homes through media widely available?"

He deplored the "crude manipulation of sexuality today," saying that not only the Church but also "families, teachers, the news media and entertainment industries have to take responsibility for moral renewal."

The Holy Father evidenced a special solicitude for faithful priests who have suffered in the face of the sexual abuse crisis and asked that we bishops make genuine efforts to bond with them and to support them at this juncture in history.

He expressed the hope that this time of purification we are experiencing will lead to a holier priesthood and to a holier Church.

Answers

In response to three prepared questions posed by the bishops, Pope Benedict spoke of his longstanding concern about the dangers of secularization and moral relativism.

He stated that we in the United States face the particular problem of seeking to reduce religious belief to the lowest common denominator. He encouraged us bishops and members of the Church to recapture the Catholic vision of reality -- and to present it in an engaging and attractive way.

The pope also commented that the attrition of membership in the Church can be attributed to the passing away of a religious culture and to an almost complete eclipse of an eschatological sense, namely, that it is the Kingdom of God for which we are destined, and we must prepare ourselves here and now for that final coming.

Vocations

His final response was to the question about how to reverse the decline in vocations to the ordained priesthood and religious life.

Pope Benedict underscored that the Lord of the Harvest continues to call, but prayer is the first and foremost means for discerning His call. Thus, we must teach our young how to pray because a vocational response can arise only from an intimate dialogue between Jesus and His disciples.

Our session concluded with a rousing round of "Happy Birthday to You," as we saluted him on his 81st birthday and presented him with a gift of $870,000 from the people of the United States to be used for his charities.

***

APRIL 17

Early wake-up today. Breakfast at 6 a.m. Bus at 6:45 for 10 a.m. Mass. As always with huge crowd events like a papal visit, it's a case of "hurry up and wait."

This morning's Mass is in the newly minted Nationals Park, home of the Washington Nationals baseball team. It was created with a futuristic design, and I hope this sports palace will outlive the soon-to-be-demolished Shea Stadium in New York, built in 1964, and the venerable Yankee Stadium, erected in 1923.

Vesting in the visitors' locker room, where each bishop was gifted with a new white miter and red chasuble crafted especially for the occasion, we processed onto the field at 9 a.m. and were greeted by a gorgeous spring day in a stadium sparkling in the morning sun.

The weather was matched by that of the crowd, which had been serenaded by a medley of traditional spirituals, Mozart, Hispanic and African compositions, and the Church's Gregorian chant.

Pope arrives

We bishops were seated to the left of the papal altar, which was located in center field. Although we were within 30 yards of the altar and papal chair, it was easier to observe what was happening by watching the jumbo screens in the stadium.

Shortly after arriving in our places, there was a blast of trumpets, heralding the entrance of Pope Benedict in his popemobile (License SCV I -- Vatican City State 1). The pent-up anticipation of the nearly 50,000 people was released with thunderous applause and exuberant shouts of "Viva la Papa" and "We love you, Holy Father."

It was heartwarming to observe the expressions on people's faces as the popemobile wended its way around the stadium perimeter -- now transformed into a magnificent outdoor cathedral.

I couldn't help but notice, however, the reminders of where this event was actually taking place, with ads for Geico and

"PNC, Your Home Team Bank," hovering in the background. I was also grateful for the "care package" under each of our seats, consisting of water, a granola bar, cookies and a rain poncho, which fortunately was an item not needed today.

Homily

At the outset of Mass, the host archbishop, Donald Wuerl, welcomed the pope to Washington, which has been the home, along with Native Americans, for immigrants from all parts of Europe, Asia, Africa , India, Central and South America since the arrival of the first Catholic settlers in southern Maryland in 1684.

The archbishop stated that the pope's visit as our Chief Shepherd and Vicar of Christ is a blessing for all and a moment of spiritual renewal for our Church.

In a short but enriching homily, Pope Benedict praised the Church in the United States for its integration of successive generations of immigrants, joined together by the unique gifts and distinctive traditions of each.

Papal theme

He stated that he had come to proclaim that Jesus is Lord and Messiah, to renew the call to conversion and repentance for sin, and to implore a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

Our Holy Father also noted he has come to our nation to proclaim Christ, our Hope, the theme of his visit. He expressed the desire that his time in America would be the occasion for all Catholics in the U.S. to reaffirm our unity in the apostolic faith and to witness to that faith in a society which so desperately needs such.

In particular, the Holy Father expressed gratitude to parents, catechists, priests and religious for all they do to hand down and promote the heritage of our Catholic faith.

Concern for victims

Pope Benedict concluded by recalling those who have been victimized historically in our nation: Native Americans, African slaves and, most recently, minors sexually abused by clergy.

Repeating both the note he sounded upon boarding the plane for his trip to the United States and at his meeting with us yesterday, the pope stated in a heartfelt manner that "no words of mine could describe the pain and harm inflicted by such abuse. Nor can I adequately describe the damage that has occurred within the community of the Church."

Pope Benedict urged that we do everything possible to bring healing and reconciliation to those that have been hurt. At the same time, he called attention to the scandal's effect on priests, the vast majority of whom have not been guilty of wrongdoing, and asked Catholics to support and love them.

"The damage of this crisis to priests has been shattering," he said, "and the pope is clearly concerned for their welfare."

Victims present

I was especially pleased that two victims of sexual abuse by a priest from our Diocese, who had requested tickets for this Mass as part of their healing process, could be present to hear firsthand Pope Benedict's expression of apology and call for healing.

I was equally pleased to learn that, later in the day, the pope had an unannounced meeting at the residence of the Papal Nuncio with several victim-survivors from the Boston Archdiocese, to pray with them and to listen to their compelling stories.

His unprecedented meeting with these victims who were betrayed by the Church was both a dramatic gesture of acknowledgement of the harm inflicted and a call to accelerate our efforts to ensure that this scandal never reoccurs.

Our own diocesan efforts in conducting background checks for more than 20,000 employees and volunteers, in providing safe environment training for 49,000 adults and young people, in cooperating with law enforcement officials to conduct thorough investigations of every allegation of misconduct, in removing any priest found to be guilty, and in reaching out to victims through our assistance coordinator to provide psychological and spiritual counseling, and to address other needs through the Independent Mediation Assistance Program seem to be precisely the types of initiatives and protections Pope Benedict has called for.

Impressions

I found two gestures during the Liturgy to be very moving: the pope's loving embrace of several disabled persons who brought forward gifts during the Offertory Procession and his warm response to the world-renowned tenor Placido Domingo at the conclusion of his haunting post-communion rendition of "Panis Angelicus."

But what has most impressed me to date about the pope during this trip is the tone and style of his message.

He acknowledges serious difficulties and problems within our Church and society, but rather than admonishing, scolding or chiding, he describes, analyzes, supports and invites us to go deeper, to become better, and to make all new in "Christ Our Hope."

***

APRIL 18

It's amazing to witness the security measures involved in the visit of a high-profile head of state such as Benedict XVI.

In Washington, I observed long lines of foot patrolmen and motorized officers who were controlling crowd traffic, rifle-carrying officers who were surveying streets from stadium roofs and government buildings, the canine corps that was sniffing for bombs and other explosive materials, and plainclothes law enforcement agents who were receiving and communicating information as they vigilantly searched for any unusual or suspicious movement.

Today, as the pope arrives in New York City for his official visit to the United Nations and his pastoral visit to the Archdiocese, the security is even greater. Many streets on the East side are closed down, and there is a buzz in the air about the pontiff's visit.

UN address

In 1979, when Pope John Paul II addressed the United Nations, I was privileged to be part of the official party to greet him at JFK airport and travel with him to the chamber of the General Assembly, where he delivered his speech to this world body.

To be present for that historic milestone is a cherished memory. Today, however, I am witnessing the unfolding of Pope Benedict's message on the TV screen of my hotel room.

It is heartening to observe the esteem with which he is held and the affection that he has among members of this august body.

Human rights

The primary occasion for his visit to the United Nations is the 60th anniversary of the UN's Declaration of Universal Human Rights.

In his half-hour presentation, densely packed with theology and philosophy, the pontiff who, as a young German, was conscripted into the war that forged the UN, applauded the organization for attacking human rights violations in underdeveloped countries but chastised it for allowing its most powerful members to decide its mission.

"We experience the obvious paradox of a multi-lateral consensus that continues to be in crisis because it is still subordinated to the decisions of a few," he said.

Major ideas

The pope's address contained three major themes:

* First, human rights are the common language of humanity and "the promotion of human rights remains the most effective strategy for eliminating inequalities between countries and social groups, and for increased security."

* Second, religious freedom is a first of all human rights. Thus, religion cannot be shut out of a body such as the United Nations, which aims at "a social order respectful of the dignity and rights of the person." The Pope underscored that "a vision of life firmly anchored in the religious dimension can help achieve this" and lead to "a commitment to resist violence, terrorism, and war, and to promote justice and peace."

* Third, the pope noted that "every state has a primary duty to protect its own population from the grave and sustained violation of human rights....If states are unable to guarantee such protection, the international community must intervene with the juridical means provided in the United Nations Charter and in other international instruments."

Benedict insisted strongly that such intervention in national affairs "should never be interpreted as an unwarranted imposition or limitation of sovereignty." This "concept of the responsibility to protect" has great implications where nations either are unable to defend their own people or are themselves violating their people's fundamental human rights.

His astute address was received enthusiastically by the General Assembly.

More to do

Pope Benedict's day included two other events of note. He made history when he took the bimah (pulpit) at the Park East Synagogue, becoming the first pope to address a Jewish congregation in the United States.

It was the eve of the Jewish Passover. When offered a piece of matzo, the pontiff drew laughs when he said, "I'll eat it tomorrow night."

The rabbi of the synagogue, Arthur Schneier, stated that the pope's presence "gives us hope and courage for the road we still have to travel together."

The pope, in turn, said, "I find it moving to recall that Jesus as a young boy heard the words of Scripture and prayed in a place such as this."

Our Holy Father's visit to the synagogue and the enthusiastic welcome he received is an evidence of how far our two faith communities have journeyed over the past six decades since young Joseph Ratzinger, the German, and Arthur Schneier, a Holocaust survivor, were devoured in that hateful brew labeled Nazism.

Ecumenism

Shortly after his synagogue visit, Pope Benedict met with representatives from the ecumenical community at St. Joseph's Church in the Yorkville section of New York City.

Included among the 300 attendees were members of the Mormon Church, making this the first time they have joined other ecumenical leaders during a papal visit.

The papal message, however, focused not so much on Christian unity, but on how technology is shaping our future. He advocated that we work together to address the downside of the technological revolution.

I don't know how fatigued the pope was at the end of this day, but I can tell you I was exhausted just watching the TV coverage of his manifold activities.

***

APRIL 19

It was quite a sight: the lobby of the hotel filled with mitered bishops. Thank God, we weren't all carrying our crosiers or accompanied by episcopal masters of ceremonies and servers.

We boarded a 7 a.m. bus for the two-minute trip to St. Patrick's Cathedral. Actually, it would have been far easier and quicker to walk, but security officials wouldn't permit it.

St. Patrick's is the most well-known and visited Catholic cathedral in the United States. The cornerstone was laid by Archbishop John Hughes in 1858, but much of its construction was overseen by Cardinal John McCloskey, who served as the first bishop of the Albany Diocese.

Gathered in this magnificent Gothic structure were priests, deacons, and men and women religious from each of the 195 dioceses or eparchies (Eastern-rite dioceses) in our nation.

Rev. Paul Butler, the chair of our Presbyteral Council; Sister Nola Brunner, our Vicar for Religious; Deacon Neil Hook; and Rev. Thomas Morrette represented our Diocese.

Pageantry

Prior to the Mass, Mayor Michael Bloomberg welcomed the participants, recalling that, today, Jews throughout the world are celebrating Passover.

He stated it is a mark of the religious pluralism of our country that "a Jewish kid from a small-town, middle-class background could welcome the pope."

While the mood of the congregation today seemed much more somber and subdued than the festival atmosphere of Nationals Park, the serenity of the scene was broken with the blare of trumpets and the entrance of the pontiff through the huge gold doors of the St. Patrick's. He was greeted with a great adulation and the vigorous applause of the clergy and religious assembled.

Cardinal Edward Egan of New York City greeted the Holy Father, pledging the loyalty and love of all present. He expressed gratitude for the pope's presence and congratulated him as he began his fourth year as the Vicar of Christ and Supreme Pastor of the Church.

Thoughts on America

In his homily, Pope Benedict expressed his hope for a new Pentecost in America. We must promote, preserve and serve life, and "proclaim hope in a world marred by violence and self-centeredness," he said.

The Holy Father drew upon the architectural features of the cathedral to make his points. For example, he noted that, just as the magnificent stained-glass windows revealed the  mystery of the church's interior life, we must turn to God to illumine the darkness of the moments of our lives and to allow His grace to transform every human situation.

The highly complex and intricate design of the cathedral, the Pope pointed out, reflects the unity of God's creation and the call to perceive all things through the eyes of faith.

Like the architect of the cathedral, he said, we must develop a fresh spirit and a new way of thinking, one which leads not only to intellectual transformation but to moral conversion as well.

Unity urged

Amidst the divisions that have arisen in the Church, we must turn toward the face of Christ, the pope said, and ask what the Holy Spirit is saying to us and to the Church today.

In this regard, he urged bishops, priests, clergy and religious to work closer together in a spirit of unity and cooperation.

The unity of St. Patrick's Cathedral, the pope noted, is not static but dynamic. So also must it be with the Church, the Body of Christ: We must recognize and celebrate the gifts of each, both hierarchical and charismatic.

Pope Benedict prayed that the Spirit would make us the living stones of the cathedral that God is raising up in our world.

Our Holy Father concluded his homily by observing that the spires of St. Patrick's are a continual reminder to the wider world of the desire of the human spirit to be raised to God.

If we fulfill this desire, he said, and if we become heralds of hope, then we can bring about a new springtime in the Church.

Like St. Peter

At the conclusion of Mass, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican Secretary of State, saluted Pope Benedict on the anniversary of his election.

Moved by this gesture, the Holy Father spoke spontaneously of the fragility of his predecessor, St. Peter. Like Peter, the pope confessed, he, too, is an imperfect human being.

He asked that we pray that he have the humility and strength to fulfill his awesome responsibilities as a successor of Peter and Vicar of Christ.

Emphasis on youth

After a brief lunch break, we boarded buses for the youth rally to be held at St. Joseph's Seminary at Dunwoodie in Yonkers.

It was 50 years ago that I walked the tree-lined driveway of this seminary to begin my studies in philosophy. St. Joseph's Seminary was originally in Troy; in the 1890s, it was transferred to Dunwoodie. On the occasion of its dedication, Bishop Bernard McQuade of Rochester dubbed it the most magnificent seminary building in the world.

As we pulled up to the entrance, I remember vividly my arrival on a September day in 1958, accompanied by my parents, sisters and aunts. Unlike the crowds that jammed the streets today to catch a glimpse of the pope making his entrance, there was no one to greet us.

My father and I learned from the porter where my room was located and lugged my trunk up three floors in the rear of the building. I remember how alone I felt as I bid farewell to my family.

Vocations

At that time, there were more than 250 seminarians in the six-year formation program provided at "Dunwoodie," the shorthand term for the seminary: 12 from the Diocese of Albany; the rest, candidates for the Archdiocese of New York.

It is hard to imagine that the building now houses only 35 candidates, 22 from the Archdiocese and 13 from religious communities, mostly Friars for the Renewal.

It is amazing how the vocational landscape has changed so dramatically over the past five decades. There has been an even more precipitous decline in religious life. The fall-off is particularly acute in the industrialized and secularized nations of Europe and North America.

Called to serve

While there has been an explosion of lay ministries since the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s, which has been a tremendous grace and blessing for the Church, this flowering of lay vocations is not meant to be a substitution for the ordained and vowed life, but a complement to them.

Without the ordained priesthood, there can be no Eucharist; without the Eucharist, we lose the very heart of who we are as Church.

Further, the charism of religious life serves as a necessary foundation for and witness to the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity and obedience, which are so essential for the flourishing of the Church's mission and ministry.

Standing room only

I was amazed at how the grounds of my alma mater had been transformed for the occasion into a huge amphitheater suitable for an outdoor concert.

More than 20,000 seminarians, candidates for religious life, young adults and teenagers were shoe-horned into the ball field of my youth. Some had arrived as early as 3 a.m. to get as close as possible to the stage where the pope would preside.

While food stations and portable restrooms were available, there were no chairs! That meant that these youth and their chaperons had been standing for a very long time, Ah, the stamina of the young!

Throughout the day, the crowd was treated to a concert with a Christian rock beat, videos, witness talks and spontaneous sing-alongs of many hymns.

The size and festive nature of the crowd belies the assertion heard so often that today's youth are disconnected from the Church. Some are, but certainly not all.

Down from Albany

Before the pope arrived, I had the chance to mingle with some in the gathering, and to greet a number of our Albany seminarians and residents at our Isaac Jogues House of Discernment: Dan Quinn, Michael Taylor, Brian Kennedy, Jay Atherton, Dan Smith, Rendell Torres, Dan Ryan and David Hammond.

As I observed the many seminarians and religious gathered by the stage, the changing nature of the priesthood and religious life that we will experience in the 21st century was evident.

Unlike my seminary classmates in the 1950s who were mostly of European descent, primarily Irish, Polish and Italian, the majority of today's candidates have Asian, Hispanic and African- American roots.

Unfortunately, I couldn't spot any of the more than 200 youth and young adults from our Catholic schools, faith formation and campus ministry programs in attendance. I learned later that most of them were scattered on the hillside at some distance from the stage where I was located.

Arrival of pope

Hovering helicopters and the image flashed on the jumbo screen of the approaching papal entourage elicited exuberant shouts and set in motion a seemingly endless motion of white and gold papal cloths.

Before proceeding to the youth rally, Pope Benedict entered the seminary chapel to greet a number of disabled youth and ill children, many in wheelchairs, to pray with them and to bless them.

The red-robed Archdiocesan Deaf Choir not only sang, but also signed the hymns as the pope moved through the assembly. He spoke movingly to the ill, their parents and caregivers.

I later learned that, before leaving the seminary grounds, he met in private with Cardinal Avery Dulles, who is critically ill. I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall to hear the exchange between these two preeminent theologians.

Enthusiastic youth

Shouts of "Benedetto" and "Christ Our Hope, Benedict Our Pope," signaled that the popemobile was moving toward the rally site.

When the pope reached the stage, pandemonium broke loose. It took more than 15 minutes to quite the crowd. Each gesture the pope made only sparked greater applause and joyous shouts.

Cardinal Egan introduced the pope and pointed out that youth today needed to hear another voice, the voice of the Vicar of Christ, a voice that will call them to justice, fidelity, integrity, cleanliness of heart and prayer.

Before concluding his greeting, Cardinal Egan gestured toward the crowd and said to the Holy Father, "Here before you is the hope of the Body of Christ in America."

Songs and signs

Representatives of the young people assembled presented the pontiff with gifts of bread and rice, representing the multiplicity of ethnic groups who comprise the rich fabric of the Church in the United States.

We then belatedly celebrated the pope's birthday by singing "Happy Birthday to You" -- in German no less!

The Holy Father was then presented with portraits of seven Americans noted for their lives of holiness and service to the Church: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St. Francis Xavier Cabrini, St. John Neumann, Blessed Kateri Tekawitha, Venerable Pierre Toussaint and Servant of God Felix Varela.

Witnesses of hope

In his homily, Pope Benedict thanked us for our birthday greetings and commended us on our German pronunciation. He spoke of the inspirational lives of those whose portraits were presented to him. Their lives were journeys of hope.

Similarly, he told the youth that they, too, are called to be Witnesses of Hope in their families, schools, parishes and communities.

Our Holy Father recalled his own teenage years plagued by the monster of Nazism. He used this as an occasion to remind us of how grateful we should be to God for the opportunities of living in our American democracy.

Challenges

Our Holy Father reminded youth that there are many challenges they face in life: poverty, alcohol, drugs and human trafficking.

There are also the challenges emanating from the manipulation of truth and freedom that distorts reality, especially emanating from relativism and nihilism. In

this sea of confusion, the pope said, truth is to be found in a person, Jesus Christ, and authentic freedom comes not from opting out but from opting in.

Success in life

Pope Benedict underscored the fact that the risen Jesus is the true teacher of life who enables us to overcome fear and the darkness of our hearts and lands.

He encouraged young people to pursue the horizons of Christian discipleship. The Christian life, he stated, is not about prohibitions but about opening ourselves to the wonder of God's revelation.

The Holy Father indicated that there are four ingredients required for a successful life:

* First, personal prayer. Prayer, he said, is silent contemplation. It is the art of listening. We must be open to silence and contemplation.

* Second, liturgical prayer, which is the whole Church gathered at prayer. We are united with Christ the Priest and His Body, the Church. The liturgy is the work of Jesus, giving us a glimpse of the grandeur of our faith and leading us to be ministers of hope for humanity.

* Third, our Holy Father indicated that a life of faith and hope cannot be lived with integrity unless it also becomes a life of charity.

* Finally, he spoke glowingly about vocations to matrimony, parenthood and family life; and to the priesthood and religious life. He urged candidates for the priesthood and religious life to deepen their friendship with Jesus and assured them of his daily prayers. He also made a special plea for religious to renew their lives in accord with the spiritual charisms of their community.

He urged all to "have the courage to discern what we are seeking and to know what God is asking of us."

The rally drew to a close with a beautiful prayer service, capped by the "Ave Maria," sung by Kelly Clarkson of "American Idol" fame. As the pope exited the seminary grounds, chants of "Don't Go" echoed through the crowd.

***

APRIL 20

The day broke cloudy, foggy and a bit chilly. Perhaps a fitting backdrop for the pope's opening event of the day: a visit to Ground Zero.

The Holy Father rode down the flag-lined construction ramp that led to the base of Ground Zero, seated in his white popemobile, and walked the last quarter of the way to a small rectangular pool where family members of the victims of 9/11 and others had gathered.

He knelt in silent prayer for several minutes before lighting the Paschal candle, the symbol of the risen Christ's triumph over sin and death. He then sprinkled the ground and prayed for all the men and women who died in this tragedy, mentioning both those mortally wounded by the plane crashes and those who lost their lives in the heroic effort to rescue those trapped in the towers: firefighters, police officers and EMT personnel.

The pope referred to Ground Zero as a "scene of incredible violence and pain."

Before departing, he met with 24 rescue workers, survivors and relatives of 9/11 victims. He spoke briefly with each; afterwards, many expressed how this encounter was the source of great solace and consolation, bringing closure to a horrific event.

Enemy territory

The bus carrying the bishops to Yankee Stadium left our hotel at noon. Upon arrival, I was surprised at how much of the new stadium had already been erected next door.

We descended to the bowels of the stadium, the epicenter of the "Evil Empire." For a life-long anti-Yankees fan like myself, it was quite traumatic to be surrounded by photos of past Yankee triumphs, featuring nemeses like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Bill Dickey, Joe DiMaggio, Phil Rizzuto, Whitey Ford, Mickey Mantle, Billy Martin, Allie Reynolds, Dave Righetti, Don Mattingly, and the inimitable Yogi Berra.

Each photo of jubilant Yankees celebrating a victory was a reminder of the agonizing defeats I have endured through the years.

If, however, there was a silver lining in this jarring experience, it was my awareness that the pope had come here to bring about healing and reconciliation. Thus, maybe Yankees fans whom I confirm in the future may be treated more gently and compassionately than heretofore.

Before the Mass

We bishops vested in the batting cage, while the pope was to be vested -- appropriately, I believe, given his role as the Church's ultimate arbitrator -- in the umpires' room.

Awaiting his arrival, we viewed on TV the entertainment being provided on the field by luminaries like Harry Connick Jr., Jose Feliciano, Ronan Tynan, Dana and Stephanie Mills.

As we processed into the stadium through the Yankees dugout, there was a sign over the entrance: "I want to thank the Lord for making me a Yankee" -- Joe DiMaggio.

When I was about to ascend the dugout steps onto the field, a fireman standing nearby quipped, "Enjoy yourself, Bishop; you're in the big leagues now."

Friends on hand

Emerging from the dugout, I was greeted by the cheers of the 440 Albany pilgrims, who were seated 10 or 15 rows directly behind the dugout. It was comforting to know that they had arrived safe and sound, and had secured such excellent seats.

A majestic altar draped with papal white and gold had been erected near second base. The Yankees management had been very generous both in changing their schedule to make the park available and in waiving any fee. There was just one caveat: No one was to set foot on the outfield grass.

Almost supernaturally, the sun emerged just before the popemobile appeared in center field to the melodic strains of Mozart's "Hymnus Pontificus." Not even an A-Rod walk-off grand slam in the ninth inning of the seventh game of the World Series could have stimulated the noise that thundered throughout the stadium.

Anniversaries

At the outset of the liturgy, Cardinal Egan noted that it was 200 years ago (1808) that America's only Diocese, Baltimore, was designated an Archdiocese and four other dioceses were created: New York, Philadelphia, Bardstown (now Louisville), and Boston.

Perhaps for the only time in the stadium's history, the mention of Boston received rousing cheers from the crowd.

When the Cardinal was extending his welcome, I realized how lucky I was to be wearing my episcopal miter; otherwise, given my Irish heritage, I would look like a ripe tomato by the end of the ceremony.

Also, I was struck by the fact that, despite all the hoopla of the occasion, we were here to continue that sacred ritual that began in an upper room in Jerusalem, where Jesus broke bread and blessed wine, saying, "This is my body; this is my blood; do this in memory of me."

Thus, whether this ritual is celebrated at a papal liturgy, in a stadium, cathedral, parish church, hospital chapel, battlefield or cemetery, it is the redeemed community that gathers to hear God's word, to celebrate Christ's sacrificial death on the cross of Calvary and to be nurtured by His sacred meal, which strengthens and fortifies us to be the Body of Christ in our time and in our place.

Free in Christ

In his homily to the nearly 60,000 attendees, the Holy Father praised the progress the Church in the United States has made over the years through fidelity to the faith of the Apostles.

The pope returned to a theme that has been constant during this apostolic visit: freedom. The Gospels, he said, teach us that true freedom comes from being our authentic selves so that we can find ourselves in Him who is infinite love, infinite freedom and infinite life.

Yes, it is in Christ that we find true freedom and peace. In our communion as members of the Church, we find the inspiration to conform our lives to God's plan and to become leaven for the world.

We, the pope stated, are the living stones blessed with the freedom of the sons and daughters of God who are called to offer spiritual sacrifices to God. It is only in this way that our lives can find ultimate meaning and bear rich fruit.

Past and future

The pope praised the spiritual sacrifices that have been offered by clergy, religious and laity throughout the history of the Church in the United States.

He insisted that we must continue to use the blessings of our democracy to build the Kingdom of Hope to be inherited by future generations.

Pope Benedict cited a number of signs that will evidence that the Kingdom's presence is among us: When we don't lose heart in the face of resistance, adversity and scandal; when we do not yield to the false dichotomy between faith and civic life; and when we imbue our American nation with the beauty of the Scriptures.

As a priestly people, then, we must build upon the solid foundation of the Catholic parishes, schools, and healthcare and human service institutions we have inherited, as we continue to offer our spiritual sacrifices and so fulfill our call to be "a holy nation, a chosen people, and a royal priesthood."

Message to young

Referring to yesterday's youth rally at Dunwoodie, Pope Benedict concluded his homily by encouraging the young people of our Church to step forward to proclaim "Christ, yesterday, today and forever."

In a special way, he urged youth to seek protection for the most vulnerable among us, the unborn child in the mother's womb, to commit themselves to serve the poor, and to open themselves to the call to the priesthood and religious life in imitation of Christ, who was willing to lay down His life for His friends.

Jesus alone, the pope reminded all, is the way to eternal happiness and the truth that satisfies the deepest longings of the human heart.

Touches of Albany

Several members of our Diocese had roles to play in the liturgy:

* Our vicar general and pastor of St. Pius X Church in Loudonville, Rev. Michael Farano, was a vested concelebrant, placed on the platform with the Holy Father.

* Among the priests distributing communion to the vast crowd was Rev. Joseph Manerowski, pastor of St. Mary's parish in Glens Falls.

* Glenn Osborne, the former music director of the Cathedral, was a member of the papal choir. He orchestrated the tri-lingual musical response to the Prayer of the Faithful. I had heard his composition many times before in diocesan liturgies at our Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

After the liturgy, the crowd was thrilled when Benedict reemerged on the field and, mounting his popemobile, proceeded to bless those assembled along the right field line and center field.

Farewell

As a bishop from the New York Province, I was fortunate to be invited to Kennedy International Airport to bid the pope farewell as he boarded Shepherd One for his return to the Eternal City.

I received the invitation from Bishop Nicholas DeMarzio of the Brooklyn Diocese, where JFK is located, I assumed it would be a rather simple affair, with a few dignitaries and bishops sharing their appreciation for Pope Benedict's apostolic visit.

WRONG!

There were 13 cardinals, 40 bishops and more than 5,000 people crowded in a huge hangar. Also, there were a full symphony orchestra and three choirs, presenting a program of sacred music, featuring Mozart, Bach, Puccini and Copland, among others.

The departure ceremony also featured the Vice President of the United States, Dick Cheney, and his wife, Lynne.

The service began with "The Star Spangled Banner" and a rousing rendition of "March Pontifical."

Valedictory

Building upon the warm and gracious welcome President Bush had extended to Pope Benedict, both at his arrival at Andrews Air Force Base (the only time President Bush has ever greeted a head of state at the airport) and during his visit to the White House, the Vice President called the pope a messenger of peace, justice and freedom.

He noted that, all week long, the Holy Father had been received with reverence and affection from all quarters of our U.S. society.

The Vice President assured the pope that we are a nation of freedom under God, where the torch of freedom will always be held high. Vice President Cheney told the Pope, "You have been a messenger of universal hope and salvation."

Mr. Cheney expressed special gratitude for the Holy Father's visit to Ground Zero earlier in the day and for blessing the soil that will always have a revered place in our history.

The Vice President concluded by noting that, since his ordination 57 years ago, Joseph Ratzinger had come to stand before all humanity as a teacher, preacher and shepherd for over a billion souls.

Final thoughts

Pope Benedict -- with the most joyous smile I've seen him evidence over the past five days -- extended his arms wide as if to embrace our whole nation, and thanked all the civic and Church leaders who had labored so hard to make this a successful visit.

Our Holy Father stated that the privilege of addressing the United Nations was a high point of his trip, and he urged support for this international organization in its efforts to promote justice, peace and good will among peoples and nations.

Pope Benedict also mentioned Ground Zero as a very moving experience and assured us of his continued prayers for all who died there, and for all who continue to suffer as a result of this tragedy.

As he left the stage his parting public comment was "May God Bless America."

Taking his leave

Only the cardinals and bishops from the four jubilee archdioceses were scheduled to line the red carpet on the tarmac as the pope boarded Shepherd One. However, at the last minute, all the bishops present were beckoned to the waiting plane.

Exhausted as he might well have been from the past five grueling days, the Holy Father was gracious to the very end and greeted each of us personally.

As always, it was an awesome privilege to kiss the fisherman's ring and to thank the Bishop of Rome for the Petrine ministry he exercises in the Church.

Reflections

As the plane ascended into the Long Island night, I realized how touched I was by the pope's visit.

Pope Benedict had come to the papacy with the reputation of being a brilliant theologian and a staunch defender of orthodoxy. The latter, of course, was his primary role for more than 20 years as the head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

In his messages over the past several days; in his two encyclicals on charity and hope; and in his meditative book, "Jesus of Nazareth," we encounter what a wonderful pastor and spiritual leader the pope is. He preaches and teaches not by referring constantly to dense magisterial documents but by appealing to the Scriptures and to how God's Word continues to speak meaningfully and powerfully to the challenges we face in our contemporary world.

His homiletic style is very humble and stimulating, very inviting and affirming. A bishop I know, who has worked closely with the pope, commented, "He has the brilliance of ten geniuses and the heart of a child."

Well stated!

Closing prayer

I understand that Joseph Ratzinger tends to be a rather shy reserved person -- more at home in the classroom or in a small-group setting than in fulfilling the very public, "rock star" status that has been thrust upon him so late in life.

I, for one, am grateful that he has put aside his own plans for a quiet retirement of prayer, study and writing to accept the Spirit's call to shepherd our Church at the outset of the 21st century.

This apostolic visit made an indelible impression upon all who have heard or read about the themes the pope has articulated.

I pray that his words will fall upon open ears, searching minds and receptive hearts.

(To read the texts of the pope's speeches and homilies, go to www.usccb.org or www.vatican.va.)

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