Grad Year: 2017
Major: Civil Engineering
Involvements on Campus: Catholic Terps, American Society of Civil Engineers, Global Communities alum
How were you chosen to meet Pope Francis? What was that process? When did you find out you got to participate?
I found out while I was grocery shopping about two weeks ago. I received a call from our Chaplain at the Catholic Student Center, Fr. Rob Walsh, who told me that the Archdiocese of Washington was looking for a student to participate in the Canonization Mass of Saint Junipero Serra, celebrated by Pope Francis at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, in Washington D.C. He gave them my name and the rest is history!!
How do you think your involvement with the Catholic Student Center helped create this opportunity?
I have had an incredible faith journey in my years so far at Maryland. I have learned what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. And I can tell you that if I hadn’t gotten connected to the Catholic Terps my sophomore year, I wouldn’t be nearly as happy as I am now. The joy of the gospel is so real and beautiful and I’m just grateful to be a part of this. I had a very significant renewal of my faith after my freshman year, after I lost my way for a time during the transition to college. I’m now an active student leader at the Catholic Student center and living one day at a time following Christ and sharing His love.
Tell us about the experience:
A group of students from the Catholic Student center attended the Papal Mass, greeted the Pope at Andrew’s Air Force Base, and heard his speech on Capitol Hill. As for the actual Mass, I was one of 12 people to bring up the offertory to Pope Francis, which means we brought to him the bread and wine to be consecrated into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ during the Mass.
What did Pope Francis speak about At Capitol Hill?
This is a great article, which summarizes it really nicely. Pope Francis is also the first Pope to address a joint meeting of Congress!! His message encouraged and inspired unity and solidarity, and he delivered the speech in English! (The article says he practiced all summer, his native language is Spanish) He spoke specifically about immigration, urging political leaders to have empathy and see immigrants as people with stories and families, not just as a piece of legislation or policy. He also spoke about climate change and the consequences of not taking action, which he has become known for as an advocate of protecting the beautiful creation God has given us. He published an encyclical about the environment several months ago.
Did he say anything to you or you to him?
No we didn’t say anything, I just looked into his eyes as he touched my hands!!
Is there anything else you would like to share about the experience?
It was the coolest/craziest/most exciting day of my life thus far. I am praising and thanking God for all the blessings that Pope Francis has brought on this historic visit to the United States!!