friar Don Bassana, OFM Conv. (Our Lady of Consolation Province), friar Israel Arauz-Rosiles, OFM Conv. (Our Lady of Consolation Province), fr. Maximilian Avila, OFM Conv. (Our Lady of the Angels Province), friar José María Lindo OFM Conv. (Our Lady of the Angels Province), friar Patrick Roth, OFM Conv. (Our Lady of the Angels Province) and friar Thomas Fetz, OFM Conv. (St. Bonaventure Province) wait in the Basilica for Mass to begin. There, on large screens, they could view the Liturgy live that was taking place just outside of the Basilica doors.

Friar José María Lindo OFM Conv., a friar in formation for Our Lady of the Angels Province, living in St. Bonaventure Friary (Post Novitiate), studying at The Catholic University of America, and his thoughts on their experience during Pope Francis’ visit to the U.S., where he and his brothers attended the September 23, 2015 Saint Junipero Serra Canonization Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception:
“Our wait for Pope Francis was worth every minute. It was a moment of so much anxiety and at the same time bonding as we sat on a pew for nearly 6 hours. The most amazing moment for me was receiving his blessing and “forwarding” his blessing to all our brothers and benefactors that made this moment possible for us. This whole experience was filled with brotherhood and love as we met our brothers from other orders and religious institutions. We all had a special glow on our faces we were just bursting with genuine joy. It was a true encounter with Christ through pope Francis!”

Photo of friar José María’s viewpoint as the excited gathering “inside” of the Basilica, including the arms and top of the head of friar Luis Palacios Rodriguez, OFM Conv., another friar in formation for Our Lady of the Angels Province, is greeted by Pope Francis.

friar Luis Palacios Rodriguez, OFM Conv. excited to be so close to the Holy Father