NEW YORK (Catholic Online) – When Pope Benedict landed in Washington, D.C. last Tuesday afternoon he was greeted by President Bush at Andrews Air Force Base not only as the head of the Roman Catholic Church but the Head of State for the Vatican. Four days later the Holy Father has already left an indelible mark on America primarily as a caring pastor.

Crowds at the White House and Catholic University, those who have been wounded by sexual abuse, the clergy and religious The Cathedral of St. Patrick, have experienced the personal touch of the Pope. Most recently, the 81 year old chief pastor touched the lives of children with disabilities and young people participating in a youth rally at St. Joseph Seminary in Yonkers, New York.

Pope Benedict arrived at the seminary to cheers from the crowd gathered at the entrance. He was greeted by Edward Cardinal Egan, of the Archdiocese of New York and Bishop Gerald Walsh, rector of the Seminary.

In the chapel, 50 children with disabilities and their caregivers were present to welcome the Holy Father, hear his words and receive his blessing. The Pope entered the chapel, pausing to lay his hands on each of the children and bless them as he walked toward the altar.

As with each of his stops during this Papal visit, Benedict was not in a hurry, but took his time with those present. After receiving the gift of a drawing created by one of the children and watching presentation by the Archdiocesan Deaf Choir, the Pope walked the length of the chapel pronouncing a blessing on all present.

[The full text of the Holy Father’s messages can be found at the end of this article.]

Pope Benedict then entered his Popemobile for a short drive to the Youth Rally being held nearby. The rally began at noon with a variety of artists and speakers, including Kelly Clarkson, who gained national acclaim in 2002 by winning the “American Idol” competition.

The cheers of the seminarians and young people at the Rally was deafening as the Holy Father circled the field in the Popemobile and then walked to the platform. They were waving yellow and white handkerchiefs, colors of the papal flag. The welcoming cheers turned to “Viva Papa” as the Pope moved from one side of the platform to another, waving and greeting those present.

The gathering of over 25,000 young people at Saint Joseph’s Seminary on Saturday served as a taste for the Pontiff, of the upcoming World Youth Day. This gathering, however, was a rally in miniature compared to those who will be in Sydney later this year for the big event.

While his predecessor, John Paul II, was considered to have a great heart for the young, this Pope’s love for the youth of the Church was evident both in his words and demeanor during the rally. He was visibly energized by their enthusiasm and love, rising several times to acknowledge their cheers.

During his message, the Holy Father shared with the young people about the lives of great American saints who had gone before: Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, Saint John Neumann, Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, Venerable Pierre Toussaint, and Padre Felix Varela.

The Pope contrasted his upbringing as a youth in Nazi Germany with the challenges of that all youth face today. "My own years as a teenager were marred by a sinister regime that thought it had all the answers; its influence grew - infiltrating schools and civic bodies, as well as politics and even religion - before it was fully recognized for the monster it was.

"It banished God and thus became impervious to anything true and good. Many of your grandparents and great-grandparents will have recounted the horror of the destruction that ensued. Indeed, some of them came to America precisely to escape such terror."

He challenged them to seat to make the same impact today, to be light in a world with areas of darkness. “Who bears witness to the Good News of Jesus on the streets of New York, in the troubled neighborhoods of large cities, in the places where the young gather, seeking someone in whom they can trust? God is our origin and our destination, and Jesus the way.”

Tomorrow is the final day in the Pope’s whirlwind visit to two United States cities – Washington, D.C and New York. He will visit “Ground Zero” in the morning and end his visit in a Papal Mass at Yankee Stadium similar to the one he held at Nationals Stadium on Thursday.

[The full text of the Holy Father’s messages can be found at the end of this article.]


The Holy Father’s Message at the Saint Joseph Seminary Chapel for the Blessing of Youth with Disabilities

Your Eminence,

Bishop Walsh,

Dear Friends,

I am very happy to have this opportunity to spend a brief moment with you. I thank Cardinal Egan for his welcome and especially thank your ...