Outside United Nations, Holy Family Youths Cheer for Pope Francis

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Early Friday morning, Sept. 25—about 8 a.m.—parish religious education students from Holy Family in Manhattan assembled on a sidewalk opposite the nearby United Nations to cheer on Pope Francis as he made his way to the U.N.

Accompanied by the pastor, Father Gerald E. Murray, and Sister Mirjam Hugens, F.S.O., the pastoral assistant who coordinates the parish religious education program, as well as parents and catechists, 60 youngsters donned charming, “custom made” white baseball caps and T-shirts that thoughtfully commemorated the historic papal visit. They watched with happy hearts and high hopes of capturing a glimpse of the Holy Father.

And, with great glee, capture a glimpse they did.

Escorted by an NYPD motorcade, Pope Francis rode in the back passenger side of the now-renowned papal Fiat. As the diminutive sedan approached its destination, it slowed and the pope extended his right arm to wave to the assembled faithful. It was a moment of acknowledgment the early risers will not soon, if ever, forget.

Alongside their peers, twin brothers Guy and Gavin Rivera, who are fourth-graders, graciously cheered on Pope Francis.

“I feel excited about being here today, getting a chance to see the pope and being here with my family and friends,” Guy said. “It’s a special day.”

Their classmate, Maxwell Wesslock, was equally awed. “I think this is very cool,” he said. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime event and a true blessing that I’m going to carry with me the rest of my life.”

The designer attire worn by the youngsters and a “Welcome Pope Francis” banner displayed outside Holy Family Church came courtesy of the creative handiwork of three winners of an art contest the parish sponsored for the occasion: seventh-grader Nathanael Ting, fifth-grader Lexie Michalek and sixth-grader Josephine Rose.

Holy Family is located at 315 E. 47th St., between First and Second avenues.

From the steps of a skyscraper on First Avenue, students proudly held a banner and serenaded Pope Francis with the Spanish language version of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, “Himno de la Alegría.”

Father Murray acknowledged the close proximity of the pope to the youngsters. “We are pleased to have him in our neighborhood. He’s an inspiration by what he does and what he says.”

Father Murray said Pope Francis’ charity, warmth and smile were particularly engaging. “He’s a pastor and a father in Christ.”

Father Murray had a busy week himself, providing commentary on EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network) during the various papal events.

Both Father Murray and Sister Mirjam were thankful for the tireless efforts of what Sister Mirjam dubbed the “pope committee.”

“It was about three months of preparation, lots of volunteers and everyone was very eager to help,” Sister Mirjam said.

“This is really a family here in this parish,” she added. “The pope is the head of our Church, the representative of Christ on earth, and it’s an honor for us to join him.”