A throne-like chair was situated on the bow of the ship but Benedict did not choose to sit on it. Rather, he stood at the rail, surrounded by young people from just about everywhere, including a striking young Aboriginal Aussie who was extremely animated as he engaged the pope in conversation. Photos of this scene are below, from the interesting blog of bluepanjeet.
What struck me was that this was the first time I've ever seen a pope just standing, chatting, mixing and mingling with a group of people - that is a group of people who were not male, ordained, celibate, cassocked bishops and priests. How unfortunate that images like those below are unusual and how wonderful that finally we have such a scene before us.
I'm searching for a video capture of what I saw televised - it was absolutely delightful.
And almost as captivating as the photos above is this one of the pope making nice with a Koala bear!
-ConcordPastor
Concord Pastor,
ReplyDeleteThanks for this post!
These pictures of Pope Benedict made me think of this famous story (from my parochial school days), which I looked up:
On May 30, 1862, Don Bosco recounted that in a dream he had seen an immense sea on which a great many ships were arranged for battle against a larger and taller ship. He also saw others that were defending the tall ship. As Don Bosco reportedly wrote,
"In the midst of this endless sea, two solid columns, a short distance apart, soar high into the sky. One is surmounted by a statue of the Immaculate Virgin, at whose feet a large inscriptions reads:" 'Auxilium Christianorum' ('Help of Christians') . The other, far loftier and sturdier, supports a Host of proportionate size, and bears beneath it the inscription: 'Salus credentium' ('Salvation of believers').
"The flagship commander - the Roman Pontiff- standing at the helm, strains every muscle to steer his ship between the two columns, from whose summits hang many anchors and strong hooks linked to chains. The entire enemy fleet closes in to intercept and sink the flagship at all costs. They bombard it with everything they have: books and pamphlets, incendiary bombs, firearms, cannons. The battle rages ever more furious. Beaked prows ram the flagship again and again, but to no avail, as, unscathed and undaunted, it keeps on it course. At times, a formidable ram splinters a gaping hole in its hull, but immediately, a breeze from the two columns instantly seals the gash.
"Meanwhile, enemy cannons blow up; firearms and beaks fall to pieces; ships crack up and sink to the bottom. In blind fury, the enemy takes to hand-to-hand combat, cursing and blaspheming. Suddenly the Pope falls, seriously wounded. He is instantly helped up, but struck a second time, dies. A shout of victory rises from the enemy, and wild rejoicing seeps their ships. But no sooner is the Pope dead than another takes his place. The captains of the auxiliary ships elected him so quickly that the news of the Pope's death coincides with that of his successor's election. The enemy's self-assurance wanes.
"Breaking through all resistance, the new Pope steers his ship safely between the two columns; first, to the one surmounted by the Host, and then the other, topped by the statue of the Virgin. At this point, something unexpected happens. The enemy ships panic and disperse, colliding with and scuttling each other.
"Some auxiliary ships, which had gallantly fought alongside their flagship, are the first to tie up at the two columns. Many others, which had fearfully kept far away from the fight, stand still, cautiously waiting until the wrecked enemy ships vanish under the waves. Then they too head for the two columns, tie up at the swinging hooks and ride safe and tranquil beside their flagship. A great calm now covers the sea."
I don't think we can know for sure if Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI were the Popes of Don Bosco's dream but it is worth praying over. Certainly both of these men are leading us back to the Eucharist and to strong devotion to Our Lady. It is worth noting that Mary, Help of Christians.
Let's pray that all of us remain anchored to these great pillars following the leadership of a wonderful Holy Father!
Gives new meaning to the Barque of Peter.
ReplyDeleteThose pictures show the dynamic, active, mission quality of the traditional metaphor of the Church as a boat. Thanks for finding them.
Diana
TeamRCIA.com
The anchors of the WYD live coverage (whom are both priests) said: "Its a refreshing image to see the Pope not surrounded by clerics. We will remember this image for a very long time. This is the first time that we witness Benedict's very intimate side with the youth"
ReplyDeletePope benny's personality is very shy as what his confrères said. During his first three years he seemed aloof and distant because he is not used to such kind of love and attention. Now we are seeing the unfolding of a more intimate and expressive Pope which the media always crank upon. I always remember John Paul II whenever I see Pope Benny.
God Bless Benedict XVI
Viva Il Papa