Apr 15, 2008 7:22 pm US/Eastern
Hundreds Of Students To Attend Papal Mass
TOWSON, Md. (WJZ) ―
More than 40,000 people will crowd into the new baseball stadium in Washington on Thursday to participate in a Mass led by Pope Benedict.
As
Mike Schuh reports, hundreds will be from Baltimore.
Two months ago, Father Austin Murphy is glad he took a call from an Archdiocese official.
"It was Ash Wednesday, and he says 'how would you like 10 tickets to go to the Pope's Mass?'" said Fr. Austin.
A total of 500 young children from Baltimore are going.
"I just hope this is another experience that can bring me closer to my faith," said student Megan Hill.
Benedict's predecessor, Pope John Paul II, traveled so extensively that his appearances took on a rock star quality.
"There will be a spiritual power in the visit, even if people are in it for more the rock star experience, if you know what I mean," said Fr. Austin.
Around a quarter of Americans belong to the church lead by Pope Benedict, a church battered by recent sex scandals.
"I'm hoping he will give comfort to the U.S. church," said Fr. Austin.
All those going were chosen by Fr. Austin because of their faith, but that didn't help when it came to where they are sitting.
The students say they will be in the nosebleed section and closer to God.
To get to the Mass on time Thursday, the group of 10 students from Towson will leave Baltimore before dawn.
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