A reflection on the Papal Mass at Westminster Cathedral
and the Vigil of Prayer at Hyde Park ...

Hello, everyone, my name’s Garen and as some of you may know, I was chosen as this parish’s representative for Southwark at the Pope’s Mass at Westminster Cathedral on Saturday 18th September. Further to that, I later found out that I had been chosen to represent the whole Archdiocese of Southwark and was given the honour of being able to actually sit inside the Cathedral as Pope Benedict XVI gave Mass.

The day began very early in the morning, as we were instructed to meet at Victoria Station at seven and from there we walked to Westminster Cathedral, where I left my group and joined the queue to enter the cathedral. I didn’t have long to wait as we were ushered in very quickly and as I got closer to the front, I got more excited because I could hear cheering from the other side where youth representatives from dioceses spread all over England, Scotland and Wales were gathered.

I was in the cathedral by about nine o’clock, where I met other young people who had been chosen to represent their diocese. When the bell for the beginning of Mass sounded, it suddenly began to dawn on me how important and special this event was.

The Mass was a High Mass, so it lasted two hours and was split into two, so the first hour was like a mini Mass. But when Pope Benedict entered the cathedral, the holy atmosphere became even quieter and even more reverent.

It was definitely a highly unusual but amazing experience; every time I began to feel at home in the cathedral and falling into the usual patterns of Mass, a small voice in my head would remind me that the Pope was taking Mass.

Pope Benedict’s homily was really interesting, as it was about acceptance of others and keeping one’s faith alive, something that I definitely hope to implement in my own life.

After Mass, we came out to have our picture taken with the Pope and I have to say, it did feel a little surreal to be standing not more than four feet from the Pope. He lit a candle that had been designed especially for his visit and he gave a speech blessing and commending the youth of the United Kingdom.

Coming out of the cathedral after Mass proved to me that teenagers will be teenagers wherever you go. When Pope Benedict walked out of the cathedral, he got a rock star’s reception; there was singing, chanting and dancing from all corners and I felt really blessed to be representing my whole diocese.

After the Mass, we marched to Hyde Park where we had lunch and then queued up to be let into the stage where they were holding the vigil. There was quite a long wait, but we were well entertained! When the Pope arrived in Hyde Park, the noise was incredible. Despite being told to stay in their seats, many young people flooded the gates just to get a glimpse of him; I have to admit, I myself was guilty of this!

The vigil was really different to the Mass as it was outside and there was a much bigger crowd, but the atmosphere was just as respectful and reverent. Praying outside was a new but very pleasant experience for me and I really felt peaceful and calm.

All in all, I feel incredibly honoured and grateful to have been allowed to take part in this historical event. It’s an experience that I will always treasure and hold close to my heart.

Garen