PILGRIMS DESCEND ON ROME FOR JPII BEATIFICATION: A Photo Montage

That was the week that was.  Five days of inspiring encounters, amazing introductions, challenging conversations.

Attending the Beatification of Pope John Paul II, I met so many really interesting people from around the world.  From college students to backpacking nuns…. Polish families with young children to an elderly Slovakian couple….  Writers and reporters and editors and publishers….  So many people from so many places, unified in their love for Pope John Paul II and for the Church.

By 2:30 in the morning, the crowds were gathered for the 10:30 Beatification.  Security was in place.

Pilgrims came from many lands.  Hotels were at capacity, and hundreds– perhaps thousands– of people slept on the street.  For some, a hotel may have been too much of an extravagance; for others, just the opportunity to be close to the action may have been the impetus to remain on the sidewalks.

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