Among The Faithful: An Experience Beyond Words

Sunday, April 20, 11:45 a.m. Despite being required to arrive at a Midtown Manhattan hotel by 9 a.m. so we could get to Yankee Stadium by 11 a.m., the media assigned to covering the papal visit has just boarded three exhaust-scented buses on 53rd Street near 7th Avenue.

Our experience started by standing for nearly two hours in a large, windowless room. After receiving our special media credentials for the stadium, a few hundred of us were all forced into a tight hallway where we stood for an additional 35 minutes or so, waiting for the Secret Service to check our credentials and screen our bags.

Finally, we have reached the buses.

Saturday, April 19, 11:30 p.m.

Although everything appeared perfect on camera, the youth event today suffered a few behind-the-scenes kinks, the largest of which involved the media transportation.

For security reasons, all members of the media were required by the secret service to be screened at a Manhattan hotel and then travel together to the Yonkers site.

As I wrote in an earlier blog, we had problems reaching the seminary this afternoon. Even with an NYPD escort, we managed to go the wrong way at least three times.

In addition, leaving the venue tonight, the media was told to go in several conflicting directions to get back to our buses to Manhattan.

Eventually, after being told to walk an estimated mile up a steep hill then back down then in another direction, the News 4 New York crew decided to find our own way back to Midtown tonight.

We finally got there at approximately 10 p.m.

I will repeat this process again tomorrow, hopefully with smoother results.

Saturday, April 19, 11:19 p.m.

The 30,000-plus crowd at the seminary seemed to adore Pope Benedict XVI and his message tonight.

"It was memorable," Sabrina Casurta said. "The words he used were powerful."

The Bronx 13-year-old said the fact she was so close to the Holy Father was still sinking in.

"We were like 10 feet away from him," she said giddily. "To be that close to someone so close to God is breath-taking."

She said the entire experience was better than she had expected.

"It was inspirational," Jamie Louie, 14, of the Bronx, said. "It will be something I never forget."

Casurta said she believes the pope did a good job delievering his speech to the youths at the rally.

"He really was able to relate with people from all over the world," she said "I think he rocked."

Saturday, April 19, 5:45 p.m.

Words cannot describe a moment like this. Shivers are running up and down my spine as I type.

It is not every day one is filled with so much emotion that all one can do is smile broadly. But that seems to be precisely the place the crowd and virtually all of the media, myself included, is right now.

I have never seen veteran journalists just stand and face a subject with pure awe.

As for much of the crowd, it seems to be the same way. While there are pockets of cheering, the vast majority is just staring and applauding with the wide eyes of a young child.

Yesterday I spoke with a woman who said it would take time for such an event to sink in. I now know what she means.

Saturday, April 19, 5:25 p.m.

The pope has reached his public!

Moments ago, Pope Benedict XVI rode his Popemobile behind the crowd on his way to the tens of thousands of joyous youths.

Gold and white clothes -- the Vatican's colors -- are being waved as the Holy Father makes his way towards the stage.

An indescrible entry.

Saturday, April 19, 5 p.m.

You would never know there were thousands of people gathered here if you didn't see them.

Pope Benedict XVI is currently speaking in the seminary's chapel, and all eyes are on him.

It is astonishing how this field has been transformed from a place with music so loud that it was nearly impossible to speak to a person right in front of you to a place where the only sound that is audible comes from an 81-year-old pope

It must really give the church hope for a bright future.

Saturday, April 19, 4:45 p.m.

With a helicopter buzzing overhead and live video of the pope entering the indoor chapel here at the seminary, a hush has spread across the large crowd here.

Bells are ringing and organ music can be heard.

Within moments this crowd has been transformed.

All attention is on the two big screens on the sides of the stage.

Soon he will be standing on the stage.

Saturday, April 19, 4:22 p.m.

While from all accounts the youth who turned out on this beautiful day have been moved, but they are not alone.

"It's very inspiring," father John Antonelle said. "It's wonderful to see so much faith so alive and vibrant."

The priest from the Diocese of Norwich in eastern Connecticut said events like this show how healthy the church really is.

"It's because of moments like this I know God is still working in all and through all of us," he said. "I hope everyone realizes that the Holy Father continues to pray for the universal church, and we are part of it."

Saturday, April 19, 3:57 p.m.

Just when I didn't think it wouldn't be possible for the crowd to get anymore energized than it already was, Kelly Clarkson came on.

To a large roar, she just completed her first song, "Don't Walk Away."

It's difficult to calculate the number of people in the crowd, but it is huge.

If the large number of cheers is any indication, the organizers made a superb choice in selecting the Holy Father's final warm-up act.

Saturday, April 19, 3:26 p.m.

People from around the world are eagerly awaiting Pope Benedict XVI's arrival here later this afternoon.

"It's kind of a once in a lifetime experience," Kathleen Kulp, 14, of Shrub Oak, N.Y., said. "I think this experience has made me more spiritual."

Rosalyn Smaldone of Emmitsburg, Md., was one of 53 youths from her community who came today.

"This is the first time I will get to see someone of his caliber," the 13-year-old said. "I knew it would be crowded, but I didn't realize it would be this energized."

William Miller, 14, also of Emmitsburg, said this is an experience he will be able to tell his family about.

"It's really special," he said.

Smaldone said she was moved by her experience here so far.

"This is his first visit to the U.S.," she said with a grin. "I think it's a good one."

Saturday, April 19, 3:13 p.m.

This afternoon's event is like something I have never seen before. There are people as far as the eye could see.

Although attending Woodstock was not as option for me, based on everything I've read about it, this event is sort of similar.

There are people, primarily young, spread across this bright green field on blankets, towels and rain ponchos that were handed out upon entry.

Everyone's attention is also focused primarily on the giant stage at the far end of the field.

Also like Woodstock, people came from all over the county, from Alaska to Florida, and in fact, all over the world.

However, the similarities end there.

Instead of singing songs about sex and drugs, those in attendance today are singing about Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

Also generosity, peace and love were the primary themes under this afternoon's blue sky. It wasn't uncommon, for example, to see people let others cut the line or take a step back to let another person pass.

Saturday, April 19, 1:41 p.m.

At the most lively event welcoming Pope Benedict XVI to the Archdiocese of New York yet, tens of thousands of youths and seminarians are now singing and dancing in joyful anticipation of the pope's arrival to Saint Joseph Seminary's Chidwick Field here in Yonkers.

The fact that he is not scheduled to arrive here for several more hours is not deterring these participants from laughing, dancing and clapping.

However, to ensure the energy is not lost before the pope's arrival, nearly two-dozen bands and dance groups have been lined up to keep the crowd's spirits alive.

Among those artists scheduled are Kelly Clarkson, Salvador, Three Graces and Toby Mac.

Despite the party-like atmosphere, however, security remains tight. Although it is not as visible on the main field here as around the United Nations or the synagogue yesterday, uniformed men and women are walking throughout the concertgoers and the perimeter beyond eyesight is very well guarded.

Saturday, April 19, 1:01 p.m.

After a short walk from our bus, we have made our way to the media tent, which entailed getting a white shoe box-sized box lunch.

Inside was a small package of Oreos, a bag of potato chips, an apple and either chicken, tuna or a vegetarian item. We also received a bottle of water.

We were then led by Secret Service officials over to the main field where our equipment already was.

Everyone in attendance received a red bag with a bottle of water, a cloth napkin, a prayer card with a photo of the Holy Father, a two-for-one pass to the Museum of New York, information on becoming a priest, meal and drink tickets for today's event and a rain poncho.

Saturday, April 19, 12:37 p.m.

So after more than an hour on the road, we have arrived in Yonkers.

We are now being coralled to the media tent where food is promised.

Saturday, April 19, 12:13 p.m.

So after leaving more than an hour ago, the three bus media caravan appears to be lost.

So far we have made at least three wrong turns and might have lost our police escort.

Saturday, April 19, 11:10 a.m.

After going through metal detectors, having our equipment searched by the K-9 unit and waiting in line for about an hour, our three-bus caravan is rolling. We are going to this afternoon's papal event in Yonkers, where the pope is expected to speak to young Catholics, including dozens of youngsters with disabilities.

The six-person News 4 New York team lucked out and essentially got the final bus in the caravan to ourselves.

Security was tight at the Sheraton Hotel on 7th and 53rd Street, our point of departure.

We are now snaking our way through Manhattan streets on the way to this afternoon's papal event in Yonkers along a non-specified Secret-Service determined route.

Friday, April 18, 7:32 p.m.

Pope Benedict XVI truly is the pope heard all around the world.

In addition to the expected regional and national reporters at the papal events today were some less expected ones.

Television stations from throughout Europe, Asia and the Middle East were vying for space.

Truly, Pope Benedict is becoming the pope heard around the world.

Friday, April 18, 7:27 p.m.

I had the opportunity to speak with about a quarter of the young people who performed for Pope Benedict XVI immediately following their performances. They all seemed to still be in a shock.

"That was really, really amazing," Arielle Firestone of Manhattan said. "We made history!"

The 11-year-old said she felt excited and nervous to perform for the pontiff.

"It was so exciting to see him," she said. "I felt really honored."

Harriet Ingbear watched many of the children grow up as the congregation school's early education director.

"It will take some time for it to sink in," she said as she snapped photos of some of the students she has worked with since they were as young as 3 years old. "This is a very momentous occasion for interfaith relations."

Estee Halpert, 9, of Manhattan, said she thought the papal visit would benefit her school.

"I think my school will become better appreciated because everyone will know the pope had come," the 9-year-old said.

Jared Pochtar, 13, waited across the street from the synagogue as the pope was welcomed.

"It's really amazing," he said of the visit in general. "It's a sign of progress towards a brighter future."

He said he believes the historic event could prevent future violence.

"Dialogue is a very important thing," he said. "It is far easier to prevent future conflict by simply getting to know and trust one another with an open dialogue."

Friday, April 18, 5:35 p.m.

For many people, the mere opportunity to see the pope is the highlight of a lifetime. Then there are those lucky few who are able to perform for him.

"It's a huge honor," synagogue choir member Samuel Hanz said. "This is the man who is the head of something that reaches all around the world."

The 13-year-old said he was excited to learn that he would be one of fewer than 20 people to perform for Pope Benedict XVI.

"I'm going to see peace happening, history in the making," he said as a broad grin spread from ear to ear across his face. "It's a beautiful thing to see Jewish and Catholic leaders as friends."

Friday, April 18, 4:59 p.m.

Security is being stepped up behind the synagogue. An NYPD officer and his K-9 partner just swept an area behind where the media is positioned.

All non-authorized media professionals have also been escorted away. Those in the media have been asked to assemble in the media pen by a Secret Service official. Two security officials are watching us from one of the pen walls.

Meanwhile, a half-dozen members of the media, including News 4 New York's Pei-Sze Cheng, prepare to go on the air for the 5 p.m. news.

Friday, April 18, 4:45 p.m.

Pope Benedict XVI's visit to the synagogue this evening marks the first time a pontiff has ever entered an American Jewish house of worship.

"We are honored he is coming to see us," Ezra Hanz, a congregant at the synagogue, said. "This is a historic moment."

He said that it's an honor when the head of the Catholic Church visits a place.

"I think he's trying in essence to mend bridges," Hanz said. "And if not to mend, then he's creating them."

Hanz said it is time for the two faiths to better understand each other.

"After all, we are all under one god," Hanz said. "At the end of the day, that is what it is all about."

Friday, April 18, 4:15 p.m.

Unlike the cheers, joyous hymns and T-Shirt vendors that greeted the Holy Father near the United Nations earlier in the day, a pair of large dump trucks, fire engines and heavily armed NYPD officers served as the pope's welcoming committee near Manhattan's Park East Synagogue this afternoon.

The few dozen onlookers near Hunter College and along Third Avenue paled in comparison to the thousands of people who turned out about 20 blocks south of here hours earlier.

Security along East 68th Street between Lexington and Third Avenues, however, is extremely tight. Dozens of Secret Service agents and NYPD officials lined the block. The entire area has already been locked down.

Friday, April 18, 1 p.m.

Pope Benedict XVI is more than a man to many of the people I talked with in the shadow of the United Nations building today.

Like the organization he addressed this afternoon, the Holy Father is respected largely because of what he represents.

"The Pope is like Peter to us," 14-year-old Isabel Hurtado of Chicago said. "It's all about being close to him."

She said her experiences following him in Washington and now New York have been phenomenal.

"It's been a really exciting experience," she said.

Friday, April 18, 12:45 p.m.

In addition to those individuals who just wanted to be near Pope Benedict XVI were people who wanted the opportunity to make a buck.

A man from Los Angeles said he traveled to New York today to see the Holy Father as well as to make a few dollars selling shirts with the pope's picture.

"I believe people are coming together for one common goal -- to make peace," he said. "If I can make some money, too, then even better."

And he was not alone.

In addition to the shirts he was selling were pins, posters and Vatican flags.

Friday, April 18, 12:03 p.m.

While languages often act as a barrier between people of differing nationalities and backgrounds, remarkably this is not the case here.

Although the dominant language here appears to be Spanish, and despite my inability to speak it, the overwhelming message is clear: Pope Benedict XVI is not only welcomed but deeply loved in the United States.

Unlike anything I have seen before, thousands of people are looking past their differences and uniting in faith. It is truly inspiring.

Friday, April 18, 11:40 a.m.

Many of the people I have talked with said staying home today was not even considered.

"Coming to see the Holy Father feeds my spirit," Amanda Fernandez of Ridgewood, N.J., said. "It keeps me young, it keeps me alive."

In addition to coming to the U.N. today, Amanda went to Washington, D.C. earlier in the week.

"It lets him know people are behind him and support him," she said. "We love Pope Benedict."

Friday, April 18, 11:10 a.m.

Although the dominant language here is Spanish, countless others can be heard.

All, I'm told, are chanting the same thing to a steady beat of tambourines and drums: We love our pope!

This crowd of several thousand is joyous, crying out their devotion of both god and their holy father.

"Alleluia," they proclaim. "Hosanna in the highest."

Friday, April 18, 10:50 a.m.

Yellow and white flags representing the Vatican are being waved as far as the can see outside the United Nations.

Father Joe Astarita of Jersey City said he was elated to see so many young people here today.

"They have come from all over the country," he said. "This is great for the kids, it solidifies their commitments to the church."

Because a large percentage of participants are young, Astarita said he wasn't sure if the papal visit will lead to a surge in young men joining the priesthood. However, he did say he hopes an increased number of young people become more involved in their parish communities.

"Even though we are getting very little sleep, we are not tired," he said. "This is invigorating."

Friday, April 18, 10:33 a.m.

With Pope Benedict XVI in the nearby U.N. complex, the crowds welcoming the Vicar of Christ are going hysterical. Receiving a welcome worthy of a superstar, dozens of banners are being unfurled, hundreds are dancing and thousands are chanting "alleluia" and clapping.

Friday, April 18, 10:26 a.m.

In addition to the thousands of people here to welcome the Holy Father with open arms there are about a dozen protesters who wish he never left Rome.

"We came here to tell him to go home," Claudia Salacar of New York said. "He doesn't do anything for us."

"He doesn't do anything for anyone," she said. "He's not supposed to be here."

Friday, April 18, 10:02 a.m.

The anticipation outside the United Nations building has built exponentially since news began to spread that the Holy Father has landed in New York.

Hundreds of people are dancing as others are sitting on nearby walls. One such woman, Maria Roberts of Meriden, Conn., said she wouldn't have missed today's Papal celebrations for the world.

"He's my spiritual leader," she said. "It wouldn't have been right if I weren't here."

And Pope Benedict XVI isn't the first Vicar of Christ she has welcomed to New York. She also welcomed the late John Paul II.

"I think it gives Pope Benedict an idea that we care," she said of the festivities. "Its important for him to know."

She said his visit opened her eyes to who the Holy Father really is.

"I didn't know him at all," she said. "I've been reading about him throughout the past week."

Friday, April 18, 9:23 a.m.

There is a large NYPD presence near the United Nations building. Thousands of men, women and children have gathered already and are singing, dancing and celebrating the papal visit.

While some are waving flags bearing Pope Benedict XVI's likeness, others are waving Vatican flags.

Through it all, one thing is very certain: Pope Benedict will receive a very warm and lively welcome.

Friday, April 18, 7:22 a.m.

As I head towards New York City on a standing-room only Metro-North express, my anticipated exhaustion has been overshadowed by wonder and awe.

For really the first time, I am coming to understand the historic experience I am about to embark on.

After weeks of preparations, it's go time and I'm ready. First up today will be the Holy Father's visit to the United Nations after landing at JFK Airport.

Today, as throughout Pope Benedict XVI's entire New York trip, I will bring you the sights, sounds and faces of this momentous journey.

I hope you will check back often.

Wednesday, April 16, 5 p.m.

A few dozen men and women of various ages took advantage of Wednesday's beautiful weather as they sat on the steps of St. Patrick's Cathedral on Fifth Avenue.

To develop a better perspective on what this week's papal visit means to them, I joined them for a few minutes beneath the warm sun.

"I think it's beautiful that he?s coming to America," Shirley Maiorana of Staten Island said. "I think it's great, not just for one religion, but for everyone."

Despite not being Catholic, Elana Mead of Harlem said she hopes to catch a glimpse of the Holy Father when he says Mass Sunday at Yankee Stadium.

"I would just like to see him," she said with a smile. "It would be spectacular."

Briton Simon Potts was still getting over jetlag Wednesday afternoon as he took in part of Rockefeller Center from the steps of the church.

"I would go to see him just because I'm Catholic," he said a day after arriving on a five-day visit. "It's not the reason I came here but it's a nice coincidence."

Potts said the Vicar of Christ has the potential to unite various faiths and expand his favorability among Americans.

"He's a bit conservative," he said. "Pope John Paul II seemed more of a people-person than his successor."

However, Potts said Pope Benedict XVI has the potential of becoming more admired through this visit.

"He just needs to get out there and get the people excited," he said. "Any visit the pope can make is good, otherwise you feel he's all wrapped up in the Vatican."

Tuesday, April 15, 5:30 p.m.

As Pope Benedict XVI prepared to depart the Vatican for his first trip to America since being appointed the Bishop of Rome in April 2005, preparations were being made throughout Manhattan for his first apostolic journey to America.

Outside of Grand Central Terminal on 42nd Street, Vatican and American flags were placed carefully high above the passing commuters. A few blocks away outside of St. Patrick's Cathedral on Fifth Avenue, a handful of men worked diligently to scrape any weeds and dirt from the sidewalk cracks where thousands of people will soon gather.

Inside the cathedral, a lone organist made some final tweaks ahead of Saturday's historic service when Pope Benedict will make history as the first pope ever to say Mass at the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York.

I will have the esteemed privilege of following His Holiness around the New York region. Stay tuned for frequent updates throughout the week.

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