I’m so grateful to have been blessed with ticket to the Papal mass on 12 September 2024!
When I first learned that tickets were available for balloting, I had signed up without much expectation because I do not usually win anything at lucky draws or TOTO. I didn’t expect anything different this time.
I was not even aware that the ballot results were out till my fellow Catholic colleague informed me. Imagine my surprise when a cartoon of the Pope with fireworks popped up on my screen as I checked the results. I could not believe my eyes!
It was only then that I started checking the papal mass schedule and worrying if I could make it. Turns out the timing was just right! It was one week before my boy’s oral exam and there was no looming deadline at work. I just needed to take the afternoon off.
I started to feel excited. At the same time, I didn’t dare to get my hopes too high. After all, just one month before, I had paid and taken leave to go for a “Peace of mind retreat”, a day of recollection at the Monfort Retreat Centre. I was looking forward to a day of tranquillity and exploring the beautiful gardens of the retreat centre.
There are very few non stay-in retreats organised on weekdays. It was the first one I came across one where timing seemed perfect. It was conducted on a school holiday and the student care was open that day. All seemed clear!
Except… God had other plans. COVID happened and I spent the week at home instead, learning to trust and be at peace with what was to be. The retreat coordinator had kindly emailed me the retreat materials. I remember the cover page featured Jesus in the boat during a storm with His hand stretched out. Perhaps the Lord was telling me that I didn’t need a retreat to “find” inner peace, I only needed to trust in Him .
So, this time I prayed, “Lord, if it is Your will, I would love to go.” I surrendered it entirely to Jesus. Turns out, He wanted me there! 🙂
It was such a joy to participate. The Pope radiated such joy, humility, patience and warmth as he lovingly blessed all the children who came to him and he posed sportingly for selfies. He never let on how tired he must have felt while making his round in his Pope mobile. However, when the camera was on him during mass, we could all see how tired he was.
Yes, despite his many titles as successor of St Peter, Vicar of Christ, the Pope is just a normal human being like you and me. And yes, perhaps there is no difference between receiving a blessing from any ordained priest or the Pope, but his humility and simplicity has touched me and also inspired me to learn to be more generous hearted towards my brethren.
Shared by Rosalind Tjioe, a bookworm and amateur gardener who finds wonder in God’s creation.