Yet again, the streets are still ringing with the chants, cheers, singing, and general ruckus of the pilgrims finding their way home from the Papal Welcoming ceremony. Our group is so lucky that we can be back in our rooms, cleaned up, and fast asleep long before many groups are even halfway to their lodgings.
This morning began again with a fantastic breakfast and then a walk to our location for the catechetical session. We got a little drizzle on us while we walked, but it wasn't too bad and the sky cleared before we were even halfway to the church.
Our session was a great one with John Angotti providing the music and a wonderful presentation from Cardinal O'Brien from Edinburgh. He had a great message on living our faith and listening to God's call that was highlighted by his warmth and humor.
From the session we headed to lunch and found a great cafe where we had paella. It was a great break from the sandwiches (though those have been far above par too!).
Due to the Papal arrival, we had a tricky time walking back towards where our hotel and sites to sit were. We had to take a circuitous route through a park to then cross near the Prado and finally find a place to sit. However, we got a great set of seats from where we could view one of the mega-screens.
It was only about 3 or 3:30 when we sat down, so we settled in for a bit. I will admit, I napped. Others played cards, caught up in journaling, worked through Soduku puzzles, or chatted. There was of course trading items with those around us. Eventually about 5 kids of one of the volunteers saw the stickers and we quickly became popular with the little ones in the area.
The Papal Welcoming is actually one of the shorter events - just about an hour. The Pope arrives in the famous Pope-mobile and then there is a series of addresses, the Gospel reading, and a short reflection from the Pope.
As the group was already asking if the texts of the speeches and homilies would be available, you can access everything here.
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