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Mar 29, 2008 12:49 am US/Eastern
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15-Year-Old To Participate In Papal Mass
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (WJZ) ―
A Maryland family is looking forward to the Pope's visit, and they don't even need tickets.
That's because their 15-year-old daughter will take part in the papal mass.
Kai Jackson reports this isn't the first time this family has had such a high honor.
Elizabeth Kane will participate in the papal mass
"It's a great honor to be able to do this," said John Kane, Elizabeth's father.
The news is sinking in. Elizabeth, 15, of Montgomery County has been selected to be a gift bearer in the offertory procession when Pope Benedict comes to Washington and holds mass.
"I'm nervous. Of course I'm nervous. But I also feel some comfort because my family has done this before," said Elizabeth.
In 1979, the Kane family--mom, dad and all 9 children--were chosen to be front and center when Pope John Paul II conducted mass in front of thousands on the Mall.
"I just remember his eyes and how warm and compassionate they were," said John.
That's not all that stands out in John Kane's memory. His youngest sister Margaret, just 7, was supposed to present the chalice with the wine but after standing out in the rain and cold for four hours, she said she couldn't do it.
"She turned to my father and said, 'I can't do this.' He said 'what do you mean you can't do it? You have to do it.' She says 'Dad, I can't do it, I can't do it Daddy'. So my father says, 'Richard, and he was nine, you're on board, you're on deck,'" said John.
Richard was rewarded with a warm hug and a priceless memory as was little Margaret. It's part of the Kane legacy that John's youngest daughter now stands to inherit.
"I hope she gets the experience that we did, which is the closeness in family and in God that one finds from sitting in that environment," said John. "The pope has always stayed the same. I hope that young people will look at the pope and their faith will be strengthened in the Catholic Church," said John.
Pope Benedict will hold mass at the Nationals Stadium on April 17.
Baltimore Archbishop Edwin O'Brien says the pope is expected to recognize the Archdiocese's 200th Anniversary during his visit.
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