Ministry group makes pilgrimage to Philly to see Pope

Brendan Johnson, Opinions Editor|October 2, 2015

De Smet Campus Ministry
Pope Francis arrives at Independence Hall Sept. 26 to give a speech on religious liberty versus religious freedom.

Junior Michael Dunn could not understand what the Holy Father said, but the reactions of the crowd said it all. Three faculty members and five students from  De Smet Jesuit , including Dunn, heard Pope Francis speak during their pilgrimage to Philadelphia this past week.

“He spoke in Spanish, and there wasn’t a translator,” Dunn said. “But seeing the reactions of those who could understand said it all, and it made you realize that this is bigger than yourself.”

In the City of Brotherly Love, Pope Francis addressed the love people show for each other.  He focused on the love that exists in families around the world, especially that of the families who shared with him their stories of struggles, triumphs and values during the World Meeting of Families. After they spoke, the pope described them as  “a real witness that it is worth having a family.”

The group joined hundreds of thousands of people from around the world eager to attend the Pope’s final mass or catch a glimpse of him along the way.  He celebrated his final mass in the United States on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, where Junior Connor Blair was taken by the energy of the Catholics gathered. “There were so many different people from different cultures celebrating,” Blair said. “But it gave a sense of unity in the differences.” As the group moved through the streets, theology teacher Timothy Wilmes felt connected through a common purpose: to celebrate the Pope. “It was about being among that community of believers,” Wilmes said. “Especially when the Pope arrived and we had mass, the feeling was absolutely incredible.” Wherever Pope Francis went, enthusiastic crowds were there to greet him.  De Smet’s pilgrims were able to see the pope up close as they joined the crowds lining the streets of Philadelphia.  As the Holy Father passed by in his Popemobile, the group took pictures and video to share their experience of being in his holy presence with friends and family back home. “Though we were not up close and personal with him, you could tell he was special and he was a man that was very close to God,” Wilmes said. “It was surreal to be in the presence of such a prominent figure and be surrounded by all these believers that are eager to see him.” The pilgrims were hosted by St. Joseph’s Preparatory School, along with several other Jesuit schools from across the country. Though pilgrim Dr. Michael Callahan was halfway across the country, the Jesuit environment made him feel right at home.

“There is something very similar and familiar about Jesuit schools,” Callahan said. “The schools and the people share the same personalities, so it feels like one big family.”

As part of their pilgrimage, the group reflected on three main topics: joy, mercy, and encounter.  Meditations gave them time to process and reflect on the momentous opportunity.

“If you don’t stop and don’t look around you are going to miss out on the opportunity,” Blair said. “You may be there physically, but you won’t be there spiritually.”

Pope Francis’ message to people everywhere was to show their love to one another. He noted that people should acknowledge the smaller acts of love in their lives, saying that “holiness is always tied to little gestures.” Wilmes felt that Pope Francis’ message can be reflected into the De Smet community.

“We are in the similar tradition of loving at De Smet,” Wilmes said. “It is about opening ourselves up to that message and understanding not only how to spell out that love, but knowing how to receive love.”

Dunn interpreted the Pope’s message as necessary guidance that encourages Catholics to live more compassionately.

“When following his message of love, we are fulfilling God’s plan,” Dunn said. “It is one that everyone wants to hear and everyone needs to hear.”

As they return home, the group brings the Pope’s message to the De Smet community.

“We are going to keep unpacking our feelings [from the pilgrimage],” Wilmes said. “And we want to be able to show people that we want you to know that you are loved.”