When Pope Benedict XVI left JFK Airport on April 20 on “Shepherd One,” he took with him a replica of the stained glass window of the Immaculate Conception that adorns St. James Cathedral Basilica in Brooklyn. Created by the Franz Meyer Company of Munich, the window was placed in the downtown Brooklyn church in 1904 to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the proclamation by Pope Pius IX of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception. Pope Benedict accepted the glass replica, as well as a bouquet of white and yellow flowers, from four elementary school-age children who presented the gifts at the conclusion of the departure ceremony that took in an airport hangar. Vice President Cheney joined the Pope at the closing ceremony, along with 4,000 others. The Pope delivered brief remarks after the Fort Hamilton Army Band played the Vatican and National Anthems. A program of sacred music and recitation of the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary in various languages also took place. Charles Mallia, director of music for the Diocese, led a series of performances by the Diocesan Vicariate Choir, the Diocesan High School Choir and the Diocesan Youth Choir. The St. Francis Prep String Ensemble and the St. James Cathedral Brass also performed. Thanks for visiting, Pope Benedict!
No comments:
Post a Comment