Technical difficulties, faith rewards

Since we arrived in Rome, I've been unable to post to the blog, but I've been putting some pictures on Facebook at The Observer Catholic Newspaper. Through the generosity of the folks at Catholic News Service, I am posting this short note.
I'll keep trying and will post more about our wonderful trip to Rome and Italy as soon as I can.
One of the best parts of being lost in the crowd Sunday for the canonizations, though, was the wonderful moment when thousands of Catholics from around the globe realized the Mass was starting and began to settle down where they were. Every one says alleluia. Every one says amen. We became the universal church together in Rome.
At the greeting of peace, people who were jostling and shoving and bickering before the Mass turned to each other smiled and shook hands. That was a wonderful moment of church.

-- Sharon Boehlefeld from Rome