Five years ago His Holiness, Pope John Paul II died in Rome after a long and uncomplaining battle with Parkinson's Disease. Quanah happened to be studying in Rome that Spring semester and was privileged to be a witness to historic events.In one of many surprises that happened during that period, this photo, taken by an AP photographer, emerged. The focus is clearly on the colorful and traditionally garbed Swiss Guardsman, kneeling in salute.
But something remarkable and deeply personal is happening for me in this picture. I know at least nine people in this photo. They are all members of my former parish in Modesto, CA and were on pilgrimage to Rome when Holy Father passed away.
But, the most remarkable thing of all is that at the center of this picture and totally separate from the pilgrimage, is my son, Quanah. He happened to run into the group while they were in Rome (I guess that is really possible) and they all attended this Mass together honoring the memory of Holy Father. Quanah is right at the center of this picture, his head above the nun kneeling next to the man with white hair.
17 comments:
That is pretty incredible, it really is a small world. Was that only 5 years ago? Seems like longer! Where does time go?
My RT
It must feel almost spooky to find your own son in a picture like this.
I can see he's captured by the sorrow of the news that Pope John Paul the great had been promoted to eternity.
Even if he was bravely suffering the last years of his life, he will always be remembered as the Pope who changed the world.
Seldom has the effort of one single person meant so much for the peaceful evolution of democracy.
The Swiss Guardsman is also a mighty sight, kneeling in all his colorful splendor.
Great capture of a crucial moment.
From Felisol
What a wonderful photo and one you will keep forever.
this give me a chill
a good chill
something about how really small the world is and how connected we all are
The guard is bright in his uniform, adding a bit of hope to the visitors in attendance. He was quite spiritual and not one to bend God's will to meet modernity - right is right, wrong is wrong. Staying consistent on his beliefs is a lesson for us all...
Hi-
That's amazing for you to know so many and for your son to be in the photo!
I grew up in Modesto, and several of my family still are there.
Happy RT!
Dimple
Incredible sequence of events...I ran into a friend of our family in Europe 2 times. First we were in Amsterdam waiting for a train and we just started talking to realize we are connected to the same family back in California. Two months later she walked into a jewelry store in Florence, Italy. We were both shocked beyond belief! So...it does happen. Amazing photograph for sure!
What a blessing to see such a photo of family and friends published!
Great story that comes with the photo!
Come and see what I’ve got for Ruby Tuesday
The color of the swiss guardsman is very catchy..
A very historical image too!!! Wow.
My Ruby Tuesday is big huge LIPS this morning...come by if you can?
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that is a wonderful story annie
An amazing story and wow. How often does that happen.
What a special picture. It is truly amazing.
Wow... amazing story. How odd and exciting both to see so much of your own private world materialize on the greater world stage.
Wonderful!
When a great man dies
the whole world mourns his passing—
still he lives in hearts.
My Ruby Tuesday
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