By Dan Israeli
Msgr. Richard M. Figliozzi - who will become the church's new pastor this June - and Principal Scott Conway of the church's school, took a group of students to the Papal Youth Rally at Saint Joseph's Seminary in Yonkers this past Saturday. The day-long event gave those who attended an opportunity to see the Holy Father, as well as other planned events, including a mini-concert performed by American Idol star Kelly Clarkson.
For Msgr. Figliozzi, who was conferred the papal honor just last year, the experience was one to remember. "It was electrifying," he said. "Our holy father is someone who embodies what the catholic faith is all about. His serene belief in Jesus Christ and the church was communicated to everyone, whether near or far."
The thousands in attendance on Saturday lined the gated path at the seminary as the Popemobile passed by, a sight that made the five hour wait well worth it for the students, according to Figliozzi. "Despite the long day, it was not an inconvenience for them at all," he said. "They all used the same positive and inspiring words to describe the touching experience, that will remain with them for the rest of their lives. Everyone had a very good spirit that day."
Conway, who attended the last visit of Pope John Paul II, described the weekend as a great way to bring catholics together. "To be in his presence truly confirms the universality of the church," he said. Conway also noted the excitement the visit created among his students, who are already anticipating the next Papal visit. "They've been asking that they want to do it again, as they are really looking forward to him coming back. It's really inspirational to see how much love they showed for a man that they really don't even know. It was very exciting."
One eighth grade student at St. Catherine's, Thomas Zwilling, got the opportunity to shake Pope Benedict's hand as his fellow classmates cheered from the crowd. Conway noted that the Papal visit has already been discussed in the school's classrooms leading up to this past weekend, and will continue in the following weeks.
"We talk to students about what it means to be the Pope, the Holy Father's background," he said. "We plan on continuing these lessons to further build an understanding of who this man is."
Ed Sheridan, associate pastor and administrator of St. Catherine's, agreed that the Papal visit was a great way to bring the church together, especially in the U.S. "It's important that we try to invigorate the church in the United States," Sheridan said. "We need to help people enhance their spiritual lives, and for this, the Pope can be a focal point."
Msgr. Figliozzi comes to St. Catherine's from the Diocese of Rockville Centre, where he was the Bishop William Murphy's Cabinet Secretary of Office of New Evangelization. He is also the director of the Diocese's Office of Propagation of Faith and Mission, a title he will keep. For him the central point of this past weekend was the Pope's lasting message of faith through adversity.
"When we look at Jesus Christ, we will find what our heart truly desires, and we will find the answers and direction for problems that beset our day and age."
