Recently we volunteered to steward at the World Meeting of Families, the Papal Mass. We left Dungarvan bright and early on the Saturday morning, we were very nervous as we didn’t know what to expect. We arrived at our host school shortly after 1pm. We were hosted by St Joseph's school in Lucan. We were happily greeted by students and teachers. Sister Concepta welcomed all the volunteers in an opening ceremony, we then received a special souvenirs kindly provided by the Sisters of Mercy and Presentation Sisters.
Before we left to go to our training at Phoenix Park we attended a short mass at a local church. At Phoenix Park we received the last of our training and were given the uniforms and ID Badges we would be wearing on the day of the Papal Mass. We went back to the school where we received dinner and had an early night.
Sunday morning we had a very early start, 4:30 a.m. After a long walk in the rain we arrived at our station in Phoenix Park. It was now about 6:30 a.m. The mass wasn’t starting until 3 p.m. however the entertainment started at 11 a.m. As volunteers, we had to help the public find their area to stand, but at the last minute we were moved and were allocated to the VIP area, we assisted Monsignors, Bishops and Cardinals while they gave out the Eucharistic Bread. As it was raining we held special umbrellas over them to ensure they wouldn’t get soaked and to highlight where the Host was available. The Mass finished just before 5 p.m. and we had a long walk back to bus. Thankfully we were back on the road at around 8 o’clock, and of course we stopped for a McDonalds on the way home!!
Looking back on the weekend, we realise how lucky were to get that experience. Not many people get to see the Pope never mind being within a metre of him! It was a tough weekend but we will cherish the memories for the rest of our lives.
Written by Mollaí Gough & Dearbhla Ní hAllacháin
5th year, Árd Scoil na nDéise.