I Love You Pope Benedict!

               I woke up on this Monday morning with a list of things to get done.  Later today, I will see a friend that I have not seen in a year.  But my morning routine came to an abrupt halt at 6:58 am when I received an email alert from the New York Times about the resignation of our beloved Pope Benedict XVI.  How can I not take a few minutes to reflect on the effect that this great man of God has had in my life?

               He is only the second Pope that I have known.  In my senior year of college, John Paul I died just weeks after being elected Pope.  Even as a non-Catholic, I became fascinated with the election process in the fall of 1978.  Being a political science major, the process, which was nearly 2000 years old, was engrossing.  In fact I’m glad there wasn’t anything like CNN as I may have skipped class to watch!

               I was waiting for a flight at O’Hare airport when I learned of Pope John Paul II death.  At that time, my faith life was minuscule and I was curious, but wary of this new German Pope.  The months flew by and soon we learned that Pope Benedict would come to Washington DC. My then 10 year old son immediately asked if we could see the Pope.  My internal reaction was, “We aren’t good enough Catholics to see the Pope”.  However I responded, “We will see.”

               And we were able to attend the mass at Nationals Park.  When our pastor asked for people to submit their names if they wanted to attend, I wrote a letter.  When I got call, I felt like we had won the lottery.  What I didn’t realize was that the Holy Spirit was busily at work over these months, preparing me to be open to God’s call back to him later that summer.

               It was an inspiring day to see priests and bishops cheered like rock stars.  The liturgy was beautiful and the Pope had a message that made me stop and ponder the insignificant amount of time that I gave to God.  Just two months later, God swept me back to him in the most marvelous manner.  During this re-conversion  I have learned much from reading what this holy man of God has written.  He writings will be with the Church for the ages.

               When I was in Rome 18 months ago, we walked to St. Peter’s Square the first night we arrived.  The lights were on in the Pope’s apartments.  I had this childlike delight when his lights turned out and I whispered “Good night Pope Benedict” as I strolled thought the streets of Rome back to the hotel.  I love listening to him speak English with his adorable German accent.  When he met with the young people in England, I was taken aback at the huge smile, reflecting the great love his has the youth of the world.

               I have watched as he has slowed down in the past couple of years.  I have prayed that the Lord give him the physical and mental strength to continue his great work. I admire him even more for making this difficult decision.  After February 28, we will continue to benefit from his continual prayer.  I love you Pope Benedict and you are in my prayers!