When the Papal visit was announced in church I listened as one of those people who really wanted to go but on hearing there were only 35 places felt they would probably go very quickly. I was surprised when Father Chris announced at a Sunday Mass that there were places left. Having paid the 25 pounds it was only a matter of waiting. So much happened and when the weekend of the visit came around I found myself at the last minute scrambling to find a collapsible chair and a strong umbrella and when I woke up on Saturday morning I never thought I would be awake until Sunday night.
Just getting ready for this special event was exciting and different. It was as if I was going away for a week. Time lost its balance and relevance, and once Andy dropped me at English Martyrs Church at 2:15am I then felt like a pilgrim. Street lights and drizzle hovered over the gathering pilgrims. Travelling on my own I felt a little hesitant to approach the others and even a little shy. I was optimistic that I would sleep on the coach and feel refreshed for the arrival in Cofton Park. Needless to say I didn’t sleep a wink. There was a hum of chatter as the coach headed swiftly south to Birmingham. The darkness was interrupted by oncoming headlights and passing vehicles seeming to punctuate the expectancy that we were going towards something very special.
As the bus turned into the parking area in the park there was a feeling of isolation and even desolation as there was nothing in sight but the steady fall of rain and uneven roadway beneath our feet, symbolic of the ups and downs in our lives. Our group started to follow the pathway between the railings. It was a strange and profound feeling for me as we walked, all at different pace, each pilgrim looking forward and advancing with purpose almost like an army. I also found myself feeling pain for the people who have been herded and still are herded by others to an unknown destiny. We could celebrate the choice of following the prepared path to this special meeting. As the walk continued towards the park it soon became apparent that our individual pace and purpose would be replaced by a stepping in time with others, helping to carry each other’s load and showing patience and support to others. How wonderful this felt: to be part of a family of people who cared for each other and to be here in this place for the same reason. There was a real feeling of belonging. The darkness, rain and tiredness somehow blanketed conversation giving way to a quiet reflection.
On arrival at the park about 3 miles later and following security checks, the stage was set, security was apparent and the sight of policemen high above the crowd caused me to flashback to the troubles in Northern Ireland to those times of insecurity and fear; but also reconciliation.
Putting chairs in our chosen spot we had breakfast. The altar was beautiful and sent out a radiant light across the park that was slowly filling up with the arrival of more and more pilgrims. As darkness was gradually replaced by daylight the excitement was growing. A flurry of helicopters encircled the park overhead adding to the energy and movement on the ground. Flags and banners were beginning to wave and gather momentum as the Pope’s arrival drew nearer. ‘Papa we love you’ and ‘Communion and liberation’ were two poignant reminders for me as a Christian. God our Father loves us all; his love is profound and unending. And in Communion we are freed, liberated - the Body and Blood of Christ feeding us with the real food of Life. I was so excited and couldn’t believe that I would be I the presence of the Pope, our Good Shepherd; to be at Mass, to watch him say mass and receive Jesus from this altar. It brought tears to my eyes as the energy of the Holy Spirit moved among us.
The steady movement and formation of so many priests formed a river of white in the shape of a cross as they journeyed downwards from the hill toward the altar. This so reminded me of baptism, of water, of cleansing and new life being poured in, around and through the large congregation – the universal family of God. How happy and blessed I felt to belong to this wonderful family. I felt God had gathered his family to this place and here in Cofton Park on this historic day to remind us that the most central and important thing is the Eucharist. The increasing power and presence of Jesus was evident.
The relevance of the Sacraments kept coming into my head – Ordination, Baptism, Anointing of the Sick, Marriage, Eucharist and Confirmation. The rain stopped as the Mass started. Slowly and gently the sun peeped out from behind the clouds throughout the Mass. It hovered over a solitary tree in the centre of the park and as the gospel was read it shone even brighter. At the Eucharistic Prayer it was beautifully warm and light- almost white. It was spiritually uplifting and appropriate. The solitary tree reminded me of the cross, the vine, and the branches. Pope Benedict had an aura of heavenliness - so moving. His presence was awesome but for me it was not Him alone - it was his presence there among us, with us and us with him, all gathered together in communion, the Body of Christ. The sign of peace was profound for me as we exchanged hugs and greeted each other with smiles and joy. During the Papal/people visit I had a strong sense of belonging, of togetherness, community, sacramental awareness and a realisation that every day in our lives we are pilgrims preparing and journeying to meet Jesus. I felt my own roots, my story here amidst thousands of other life stories, it all felt so vast and worldly, but all of us as God’s children have the same story that we must share, God’s story in us. The Pope’s visit made me feel so blessed and humbled to be part of the Family of God. It is an experience I will treasure all my life.
Eileen Cywinski
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