LourdesWorld LourdesWorld LourdesWorld
 Thursday, April 17, 2008
Final Thoughts

The secret service has now cleared us to leave the hall and make our way to the reception hosted by CUA.

 

Thank you for letting me share this occasion with you.

 

It has been an incredible day.

 

 


 | 
Thursday, April 17, 2008 6:14:02 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)  #  Comments [0] | 
The Pope's address

The Pope just ended his remarks to Catholic educators. It was a very positive message, one that often expressed gratitude for the dedication and sacrifices of educators.

 

He spoke of the hope that an authentic search for truth brings to the youth of our country.

 

The Pope encouraged a renewed commitment to educating the poor and disadvantaged, especially in urban settings.


 | 
Thursday, April 17, 2008 6:05:26 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)  #  Comments [1] | 
The Pope has arrived

As 5 p.m. drew closer, the sense of anticipation continued to grow in the room. It was especially good to see how excited the students who are present were. The students are serving as ushers and are doing a great job making all the visitors feel welcome.

 

It is now 5:02 p.m. and the Pope is now arriving on campus and the crowds outside are cheering loudly. At this point, they are asking us to turn off cell phones.

 

More after the address…

 


 | 
Thursday, April 17, 2008 5:16:48 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)  #  Comments [0] | 
Waiting for the Pope to arrive

Film clips are being shown of the last papal visit to CUA by John Paul II. These same screens will televise live Pope Benedict’s arrival on campus and his steps as he makes his way to the hall.


 | 
Thursday, April 17, 2008 4:24:44 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)  #  Comments [0] | 
It's 4:09 p.m.

The doors are shut now and the president of CUA is giving a welcome and protocol instructions. The room is filled with the feeling of great spirit here in the hall.

 


 | 
Thursday, April 17, 2008 4:21:10 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)  #  Comments [0] | 
The address will soon begin
The hall is filling now that we are less than two hours till the pope's arrival. There is a great camaraderie among the presidents here. We are eagerly awaiting the Holy Father's words.


 | 
Thursday, April 17, 2008 3:16:49 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)  #  Comments [0] | 
Picture
Where His Holiness will sit:





 | 
Thursday, April 17, 2008 3:14:18 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)  #  Comments [0] | 
Waiting for His Holiness to arrive

I'm in the 10th row, about 25 feet from His Holiness.  I've taken a few photos, which I will post shortly.  Since cell phones and cameras will not be allowed during the address, I won't be able to take pictures or post here until after 5 p.m.


 | 
Thursday, April 17, 2008 2:38:40 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)  #  Comments [1] | 
Arriving at the law school

Just arrived at the law school where we will be gathering.  As I walked through the streets, it seemed that every restaurant and cafe had their TV tuned to coverage.  There is excited conversation among my fellow presidents.  Ohio is well-represented, with several of the other colleges here. 

Security has been very tight for this event.  I have passed through four Secret Service checkpoints and one metal detector.  I'm not surprised by this, given that I will be sitting no more than thirty feet from the Pope.


 | 
Thursday, April 17, 2008 2:27:48 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)  #  Comments [0] | 
Photo of the Pope after his address at Catholic University


 | 
Thursday, April 17, 2008 1:48:55 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)  #  Comments [0] | 
Heading to CUA

It's 12:52 when I'm writing this. Time to begin making my way to CUA (Catholic University of America), where the papal address will be held. Because of the incredible number of people who will be trying to greet the Pope as he travels to CUA, we are being encouraged to take the Metro.  So I'm heading underground to catch a train.


 | 
Thursday, April 17, 2008 1:13:14 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)  #  Comments [2] | 
Arriving in D.C.

We just landed in D.C. The weather is perfect - a warm spring day.

It's time to pick up my luggage and head into the city. Talk with you soon.


 | 
Thursday, April 17, 2008 10:22:23 AM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)  #  Comments [0] | 
Traveling to D.C.

Hello.

 

It is 8:40 a.m. on Thursday, April 17, and I am sitting on the plane in Detroit, Michigan, ready to depart for Washington, D.C.

 

There are other presidents from colleges and universities on board. We are all excited to begin this trip and looking forward to our meeting with Pope Benedict XVI at Catholic University.

 

The plane door is now closing. We are off to D.C.!

 

When we land, I'll send another update.


 | 
Thursday, April 17, 2008 9:26:35 AM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)  #  Comments [0] | 
 Thursday, April 10, 2008
President's Blog

President Robert Helmer is one of 100 Presidents of Catholic Colleges that is attending an address on Catholic education given by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI on Thursday, April 17, at Catholic University in Washington, D.C.

The Pope will address a gathering comprised of Presidents of Catholic universities and diocesan heads of education. Catholic University is the national university of the Catholic Church in the United States.

During his trip to Washington, D.C., Dr. Helmer will share with students, alumni, faculty and staff his thoughts and experiences through this blog. For more details about the Papal Visit, go to http://papalvisit.cua.edu/events/.


 | 
Thursday, April 10, 2008 4:37:57 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)  #  Comments [0] |