Diary of the Papal Visit

By Catherine Flett and Denise Armstrong.

Catherine and Denise along with 100 young people from Liverpool Archdiocese arrived in London on Friday 17th September to join with young people from all over England for the visit of Pope Benedict to Hyde Park. Some of the group had learnt some everyday signs so they could communicate with Catherine and make her feel welcome.

Here are some the excerpts from Catherine's diary of the events.

Arrive Westminster with our yellow bag and our purple top representing Liverpool. The youth from all over England had their own representative colours and it felt like a clan of football teams. We made sure that we would keep warm with our woolly hats and four layers of clothes; we also had our bags of breakfast with us. We could see on the screens what was happening and where the Pope was. It was very emotional.

Arrive Hyde Park at 2.30pm to a carnival atmosphere. We separate ourselves from the Liverpool group so that we would be able to see the interpreters on the screen. We treat ourselves to an ice cream, which we feel deserve. A wonderful atmosphere with the warm sun shining over Hyde Park. Carol Vordeman was one of the presenters. There were various presentations some powerful speeches by some individuals who had found their faith. One was once a drug addict and another from a family whose teenage son had been murdered and spoke of how anger can destroy people. It had a powerful impact on everyone, especially the young people many of whom had tears in their eyes. We shared our sadness of what is happening in the world, but with wonderful support and embraced each other.
Then singing Priest group and other groups made the atmosphere like a Glastonbury festival with God. We can't see the interpreters on the screen but two girls from Shrewsbury group who had the Magnificat Book and helped us by sharing the book. We can't understand the personal speeches of the people and the Pope.

As we were waiting for the Pope on his way by helicopter we could see it live on the big screen it was so surreal, but very exciting and as we wait the whole of young people there do a Mexican wave across Hyde Park and the public join in too. That was Catherine's favourite; we felt this great unity waving our arms in the air like a football fan, which was more powerful than words. We are disappointed we cannot see the interpreters because we so much wanted to be part and be equal to all the other young people there and most important want to know what the Pope's message to young people like me. Denise tries to help me by trying to lip-read from the screen but it is so difficult. But then we had to think positive and it feels a privilege to be here and sharing this amazing togetherness with other young people from all over England.

What kept us from feeling disappointed was the wonderful vibe in Hyde Park. Catherine took a good video of the Pope arriving in the popemobile and we think Archbishop Vincent Nicolas maybe saw our CDA banner as he was in the popemobile too.

The service finished at 8.15pm, We had been 13hours outside and on our feet since 6.30am. We join our Liverpool Archdiocese groups and walk back to Warren Street near Euston. We get some hot food and go back to our hostel room at 11 30pm.

Now Catherine and I are reflecting, Catherine felt from seeing the Pope she found her faith seems to be stronger. And for Denise it was good to see the other side of the Pope that you have never seen before, the gentle and the warm side, which the media don't always put across. Maybe Pope Benedict's visit will inspire many of us.

Catherine enjoyed making new friends. On Sunday we had mass in Euston and a day out to Covent Garden, Catherine treated herself and bought a clear crystal as a souvenir to remember the papal visit.This report was sent by Catherine Flett and Denise Armstrong. Congratulations to Catherine who is a strong supporter of CDA and always goes to Walsingham each year. Thanks also to Denise for her support of Catherine - they certainly enjoyed the papal visit.