Thirty-five students and six faculty members from Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin School began a pilgrimage on Saturday, September 26 at 6:00 am to Philadelphia, Pa. to witness Pope Francis first hand.
“The minute we heard, we knew we wanted to be part of the event. So, the planning really began last March when it was finally released that he would indeed be coming to the United States and to Philadelphia,” says Director of Campus Ministry, Beth Davis.
Saturday afternoon the group attended Pope Francis’ address at Independence Mall and later enjoyed the World Meeting of Families Festival in the evening.
Sunday evening the students participated in Mass on the grounds of The Philadelphia Museum of Art alongside a million other Catholics. Before making way to the museum, students waited an hour in line for security.
“Pope Francis does not only tell us what to do, but he is a servant of God and shows us how to be servants as well,” said freshman Julia Baitt in expressing why she made the pilgrimage to see Pope Francis.
The group stayed overnight Saturday at The American Jewish History Museum, without modern conveniences of a bed or shower. Students slept on the floor of the museum and walked everywhere during their two-day trip.
“In our first pre-meeting, we really emphasized what going on a pilgrimage was. It wasn't a vacation, a chance to buy souvenirs. By the way our students conducted themselves from minute one, it was clear that they understood this concept: prayer, walking, sacrifice, more walking, and more prayer....and of course, no complaints. They were excellent pilgrims on the journey… we will continue to be blessed by this pilgrimage for years to come!” Beth Davis, Director of Campus Ministry shared of the overall experience.
To see some of the media coverage that our school received please click on the links below:
http://fox8.com/2015/09/27/ndcl-students-travel-to-philadelphia-to-see-pope-francis/
http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2015/09/hearing_pope_francis_message_o.html