Apr 22, 2008 7:14 pm US/Eastern
Archbishop O'Brien Inspired By Pope's Visit
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
Pope Benedict is getting back to his regular routine at the Vatican after his historic visit to New York and Washington, D.C.
As
Kelly McPherson reports, the visit has energized Catholics across the region, including Baltimore's archbishop.
Archbishop O'Brien says the heavy security did not detract from the personal touch of the pontiff's visit. There were special moments he witnessed, like when a blind boy was trying to get Communion from Pope Benedict XVI.
"The Secret Service tried to stop the boy. He was supposed to have Communion, but his mother was with him. The Secret Service said 'no' to the mother. He spotted that and asked that he be brought up. He gave him Communion and touched him on the chin," said Archbishop O'Brien.
It's no secret the Catholic Church has struggled over the past several years. Archbishop O'Brien says he's glad that the Pope spoke about all of the sex abuse cases in the U.S. so now the Catholic Church can move on.
"I hope others who have no particular church find that this is an institution worthy of their exploration. The Holy Father has put a great face on the Catholic Church," said Archbishop O'Brien.
It's a face that Archbishop O'Brien has had the privilege to really get to know.
"I've been enlivened, energized," said Archbishop O'Brien. "It's one thing to sit in a chair and preach. It's another thing to put the preaching into action. I think he wanted to express his affection for the people who came out to welcome him."
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