Apr 9, 2008 6:02 pm US/Eastern
Baltimore Remembers Visit By Pope John Paul II
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
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In 1995, Pope John Paul II visited Baltimore.
On Tuesday, the world will be watching as Pope Benedict XVI makes his first visit to the United States. It's been 13 years since the last papal visit.
Suzanne Collins reflects on Pope John Paul II's stop in Baltimore in 1995.
Oriole Park at Camden Yards was transformed into a mammoth cathedral for the public mass celebrated by Pope John Paul II in Baltimore on October 8, 1995.
There were songs of praise, children dressed in costumes from all around the world and prayerful people.
Loud cheers greeted Pope John Paul II as his plane landed at BWI. Soon, the "Pope Mobile" was circling the stadium.
Among those enthusiastic onlookers were Pat Roche and Helen Wilson.
"Everybody I know who went said the same thing," said Roche. "It was just this wonderful feeling - you got a very holy feeling."
"It was an absolute thrill to see him come," claimed Wilson.
Those who wanted to catch a glimpse of the Pope on that historic visit lined Baltimore streets as parades and the pope made their way to the Basilica. Lunch was served at "Our Daily Bread."
Seventeen people representing those served by Catholic Charities joined the Pope for a meal, including children and immigrants. Ninety-three-year-old George Thompson who still cooks lunch at "Our Daily Bread" cooked lunch that day.
"Cream chicken and rice casserole, we had that. Then we had salad," said Thompson. "He ate it all."
On that historical day, Pope John Paul II celebrated mass at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen. He then went to St. Mary's Seminary to speak to young men who would soon lead the Catholic Church in America.
At the end of the day the Pope looked tired but gratified. He thanked the people of Baltimore for the warm welcome he received.
Pope Benedict will visit the U.N. and hold public masses at stadiums in New York and Washington, D.C.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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