NPR had a piece yesterday about the Pope's visit to Poland. It was mostly forgettable, but it did point out that the only time Benedict will speak German during his trip will be at Auschwitz, where 60 years after the Holocaust that had Auschwitz as one of its centers of operation, the German language will again be heard, this time in supplication for forgiveness and peace.
John Allen's column from last week was a preview of Pope Benedict's trip to Poland, featuring a list of themes that Allen's Vatican sources say will be the focus of the trip.
Allen will be in Poland covering the visit, posting daily reports. Here is the first one.
The American Papist is also blogging up a storm about the trip.
The Vatican website has Il Papa's itinerary for his trip to Poland.
The Holy Father left Thursday morning and will return Sunday evening. Over the course of those three and a half days, he will take two flights, two helicopter rides, give 8 major addresses, celebrate two public Masses, meet with the President of Poland, visit JPtG's hometown, visit 4 churches and shrines and, oh yeah, visit and pray at Auschwitz, scene of one of the most horrific genocides in human history.
That, my friends, is an almost John Paul-esque agenda. We should all pray for the Holy Father's health and endurance (and even for his good cheer!) on this trip. Remember, he's 79 years old!
Pictured here is nine-year old Jérémy Gabriel, un garçon quebecois with an unfortunate malady who was so moved by the events of April 2005 that he dreamed of being able to sing for the pope. His dream came true Thursday.
Here's the story from CNC News and here's an excerpt:
The song was Je louerai l'Éternel, which means "I will praise God."
The boy later had a private audience at the Vatican with the Pope, who hugged him and gave him a rosary.
Jérémy's parents and two sisters accompanied him to Rome for the occasion.
The boy had wanted to sing for the pontiff since he watched the funeral of Pope John Paul II on television last year and saw Benedict being elected as his successor.
Born with Treacher Collins Syndrome, the boy has had several operations to restore his hearing. He is frail and must receive blood transfusions every two weeks.
