American Catholic impressions of Pope Benedict XVI (roundup)

• In addition to Cardinal Mahoney and his auxilary bishops, a number of West Coast Catholics were able to attend the events surrounding Benedict's visit to Washington and New York, giving an account of their experience in the Los Angeles diocesian newspaper The Tidings.

• Students still buzzing about pope (The Journal Star April 27, 2008) - "The Roman Catholic seminary in Maryland that turns out many of the Diocese of Peoria's priests is still buzzing from Pope Benedict XVI's recent trip to Washington, D.C., said a former Peoria priest now on leave at the seminary."

• Monsignor Michael Mullen shares "seven lasting impressions [about Pope Benedict XVI] that will stay with me" (Kansas City Star April 26, 2008).

• A Newark resident -- residing in New York City's Ronald McDonald House while receiving leukemia treatments -- recalls his brush with Pope Benedict (as reported by Abbey Stirgwolt, Newsday April 25, 2008): “We’re sitting in our room Saturday night, and we get a call on the phone saying, ‘Oh, do you guys wanna go see the pope? He’s going to be appearing outside tonight ...”

• City woman finds pope's visit uplifting, by Jomay Steen. Rapid City Journal April 27, 2008: "Growing up in a rural community on the Rosebud Indian Reservation, the idea that Veronica Valandra would see the pope — in America, no less — was the stuff of dreams. The lifelong Catholic recently talked about her amazing journey as a White House guest to welcome Pope Benedict XVI."

• Baltimore's Archbishop William O'Brien recalls the Pope's visit (WJZ-TV Channel 13 News, April 22, 2008):

  Archbishop O'Brien says the heavy security did not detract from the personal touch of the pontiff's visit. There were special moments he witnessed, like when a blind boy was trying to get Communion from Pope Benedict XVI.

  "The Secret Service tried to stop the boy. He was supposed to have Communion, but his mother was with him. The Secret Service said 'no' to the mother. He spotted that and asked that he be brought up. He gave him Communion and touched him on the chin," said Archbishop O'Brien. ...

  "I hope others who have no particular church find that this is an institution worthy of their exploration. The Holy Father has put a great face on the Catholic Church," said Archbishop O'Brien.

  "I've been enlivened, energized," said Archbishop O'Brien. "It's one thing to sit in a chair and preach. It's another thing to put the preaching into action. I think he wanted to express his affection for the people who came out to welcome him."