Habemus papam!! 2005

Three years ago we all waited while the Cardinals of the Catholic Church were in Conclave. Waiting for a new Holy Father. Needing a time of joy after the sad weeks of watching Pope John Paul II prepare to go Home.

I remember the morning of April 19, 2005 very well. It was spring break for the local schools and I was also on vacation. It was a gorgeous morning and I needed to go to Walmart which is about 25 minutes away.

The whole way there I prayed that nothing would happen while I was away from the TV. I got half-way through the store when my cell phone rang: "There's a Pope!!" my mom shouted. At that moment I stopped shopping ran to the check out with what I had managed to pick up and tried to rush the line with my thoughts. As I was standing there my phone ran again "they are going to announce it in about a half hour!"

Oh boy. I think I broke some speed limits on the way home but not too badly.

Five minutes after I walked in the door the proceedings began. When the cute little Cardinal (I don't remember his name) walked out and said those words "Habemus Papam" I felt chills. And I will never forget the way he exclaimed "Cardinal Ratzinger!" I went to my knees in thanksgiving.

Thank you most Holy Spirit for sending our Holy Father. And thank you for having him be in our country as he celebrates this anniversary! May Mary, our Mother continue to watch over him.