Pilgrims to April papal Mass react with gratitude and joy

BY JAMES BREIG
EDITOR

Catholics who will attend a papal Mass in April are reacting to the news with gratitude and excitement.

Informed by mail last week that their names had been chosen in a random drawing for 500 tickets to see Pope Benedict XVI at Yankee Stadium on April 20, the pilgrims returned information sheets for the trip that had more than personal data on them: They also noted their emotions upon being told they had been selected.

While many people responded with simple "thank you's," others shared their feelings about being chosen:

* "I'm so happy to be a winner," exclaimed a woman from Albany .

* A nun from Latham said, "We are so happy to be a part of the Pope's visit."

* "We are so looking forward to this incredible experience," a couple from Albany noted on their correspondence.

* "As a recent convert to Catholicism," emailed a man in Watervliet, "I am thrilled that my wife and I have won tickets to see Pope Benedict. Thank you for giving us this opportunity."

* Said a Saratoga Springs woman: "I am so excited to have been chosen."

* A woman from Hoosick Falls wrote: "What a gracious and happy surprise when my mail was delivered with the announcement that I had been selected to see the Pope! I'm so excited and happy. Thank you, thank you!"

(The 500 winners were selected from approximately 3,200 people who entered the drawing by filling out a coupon that appeared in the Jan. 3 issue of The Evangelist.)

(02/07/08)