As full time volunteers, the CCVs didn't expect to partake in any of the events happening in NYC because of Pope Francis's visit to the United States and Cuba. However, that's not the way it worked out. As a community, we joked that Jesus must have really wanted us to go see the Pope (but more on that next week). The night that the Pope arrived in New York, the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal decided to hold a special Catholic Underground with Matt Maher.
Catholic Underground is an event held in NYC every first weekend of the month by the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFRs). It is an evening of praise which starts with evening prayer and continues with adoration and praise and worship music. While these wonderful things are taking place, the faithful are invited to take part in the sacrament of reconciliation. Following benediction, confessions continue, and there is usually some sort of entertainment in the "underground" part of the church. The night ends with night prayer. It's all in all a really great night. In high school and college I (Mary) would go to CU with a group of friends almost every month. CU was one thing that I really wanted to share with my community here at CYFM.
About a week before the Pope arrived, we still didn't have tickets to any of the special events in the city. However, while the lady CCVs went on an evening walk, Paul was able to get the five CCVs tickets to this event! It was totally last minute, and unexpected, but totally amazing and cool.
A few days later was the big event. We were able to leave work early to get to the city for 3 pm. Our tickets said to arrive that early because they were expecting many people. We parked across the street from the Parish hosting CU, received our wrist bands, ate an early dinner, and waited on line for 2 hours.
We took our seats and entered into adoration. Confessions were going on at the same time, and many of us took advantage of that. After being CCVs for a month, most of us felt that we needed this night to reconnect with the Lord. The Friars played Good Good Father during adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and it was incredible. I had never heard the song before, but it has become one of my favorites. Take some time and listen to the version I linked to above, you won't regret it.
After benediction, the Friars set up a simulcast of what was happening at Saint Patrick's Cathedral. So, we prayed Evening Prayer with the Pope. It was pretty cool.
After praying with the Pope, Matt Maher came out with his band and we worshiped with him.
It was awesome. There are no other words for how great this night in NYC was.
Look out for Part Two next week!
- Mary
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