It is Wednesday, June 1, 2016.  It is hard to believe it is Wednesday already.  This morning we made a plan that Kate and Mary Lou would go early to the get seats at the Pope's Audience and we would follow a half hour later so Doug would have less time to wait.  Bad idea.  There were probably more than 40,000 people there and they had us go through an alternative entrance.  Just as we were coming up to the side gate the Pope went through in his Pope Mobile about 15 feet away.  Wow, that was a surprise.  He has the most delightful smile.

The service lasted about an hour.  A very small amount of it was in English.  The good news is that all the major languages were spoken and so everyone could understand some of what was said.

Now the bad news,  following the service we spent more than an hour and a half trying to find Kate and Mary Lou in the large crowd. Finally giving up we headed for the Holy Doors and to tour St. Peter's Basilica.  

I just asked Doug what he would say about the experience. He said, "For me, it was just the beauty of the place.  I did not anticipate how many statures there would be or just how gorgeous it could be.  There is so much to look at, ponder over, that it is a bit overwhelming."  

Kate and Mary Lou just came in and I asked them what they thought.  Mary Lou says it was overwhelming and very spiritual, she got goose bumps.  Kate says that even though she has been there before it was still incredible.

We sit now looking out at the great Dome from our apartment.  The history outside of our window is striking.  So many have traveled here.  So many pilgrims have journey here for so many reasons,  Wars have been won and lost for the sake of what we believe. We are touching history and a part of it.  

Finally before I close I want to mention the kindness and consideration of others.  The Italians go out of there way to help Doug to get into rooms, elevators, restaurants, clearing the crowds and checking to see if he is okay.  I am finding my worries that surrounded the trip are disappearing.  Doug loved the day, the people and the wondrous works of art in the Basilica.

Message of the Day;  You will be surrounded by throngs of angels....and so we have been.