Pope Francis, who became the first South American and Jesuit in the More powerful position in the Catholic ChurchHe made a historic visit to the United States in September 2015, Traveling to New York CityPhiladelphia and Washington, DC.
After the 88 -year -old Pontiff’s death On Monday, April 21, four New Yorkers remember the most sincere moments they faced Face Here in the city, and how their lives were changed forever.
Julia Bruzzse, Bath Beach, Brooklyn
“When I with Pope Francis, I was 12 years old. It was a very dark moment for me and my family. I had a very healthy and active girl, practicing sports and dancing. Walking.
There were times when I asked God: “Why?” He I tried my faith.
We continue to receive a lot of medical help and I could not return to school [at St. Bernadette Catholic Academy in Dyker Heights]. But my director said that the Holy Father went to the city and he would try to get me tickets to meet him. Tickets were very difficult to get. When we did, I knew it was God showing me a sign.
We were in the asphalt in JFK. It was very hot that day and we were waiting for two hours. They told us that the Pope was not going to go to anyone because he was getting late.
However, I came directly to my family and me. I was in shock. I was crying hysterically. Hey, gave me the blessing: he put his hand on my head and he said a word. I was in shock. It was a magical moment. A unique moment in life. And it happened at a time of my life in which I really needed it.
That little moment changed the course of my life. People saw me in the news and many approached. The people in my community began to raise money and I could receive treatment. Meeting the Pope helped me take doctors.
I still use a wheelchair, but there is a lot of progress over the years. I am doing much better today than I was with the Pope. “
Monica Iken-Murphy, Upper East Side
“Faith will hold you. After losing my husband Michael Iken in the attacks of September 11, 2001 to the World Trade Center, it was suicidal. I was drinking and driving. I could. I look back to some things and know God.
A few years later, I became a member of the Board of the Monument and National Museum of September 11, and we decided to invite the duration of the Pope in his 2015 visit.
When I saw Pope Francis, he was amazed. I brought my girls from my second marriage: Megan, who was 8 years old, and Madison, who was 10 years old. Hello, he kissed Megan’s head. He blessed my Michael wedding ring. That is the closest for me to God. I couldn’t have been more blessed in my life.
He blessed the blue wall of the monument, where there are still 8,000 remains. The reason I am here and survived the nightmare is for God. How blessed we were to have Pope Francis. Hey, let me know that it was fine here for a reason. “
Stephanie Gabaud, White Plains
“I was going through a very difficult time in my life when I was 16 years old. I was born with spina bifida [a birth defect that causes paralysis]. I have gone through so many risky back curenesses, and my surgeon really clarified me to be able to go to the Cathedral of St. Patrick to obtain the blessing of Pope Francis.
When I arrived at the front of the church, he wanted it to be only me and me at that moment.
I told him in Spanish and told him that I was going to pray for him. Then Pope Francis gave me the apostolic blessing. I literally went into a trance.
Before, my life was very touching and going. From the blessing, all my surgeries have a leg success and I have an international leg and go to musicals and plays. My quality of life improved.
Today, I am working with Elizabeth Seton Children’s Center in the construction of the first White Plains center for young adults with medical complexities, so that they do not have to be transferred to an elderly home when they are 21 years old. I’m looking for Hissss [Pope Francis’] I work and also the work of God. “
Victor Franco, Hicksville, Long Island
“Pope Francis came to my school, our Lady Queen of Angels in East Harlem, when he was 13 years old. I remember looked at everyone with love and care.
What caught my attention most was asking if I could pray for my parents, my family and my grandmother, to make sure everyone is healthy.
He looked at me directly and said: “I will give you that promise, if he promises to pray for me.” I was speechless. I was a child at that time. It was very humiliating. Hey holds so much in the church and is asking other people to pray for him?
I will always remember that moment. It was just a normal person who only tried to be compassionate with my family. “
