The order of service for all US ceremonies during the upcoming papal visit was released today . I didn’t find any big surprises, although the plans for the Youth Rally at Dunwoodie in New York are outlined in greater detail. Those present will be singing “Happy Birthday” in German to the Pope. He will be presented with numerous gifts, including bread, maize, and corn, as symbols of the heritages present in the American melting pot. No word on the papal skateboard , but we’ll keep our eyes open.
And if you missed the video of Benedict’s address before the visit, it’s below. Note the call to prayer and personal encounter with God, the professorial and paternal manner, and the extremely endearing German accent. God willing, we’ll be hearing more of this in the near future.
