At the invitation of Congressman Dave Loebsack (D-Iowa), Sister Joan Lescinski, CSJ, SAU president, was in Washington D.C. as Pope Francis addressed the Joint Meeting of the United States Congress.
Sister Joan Lescinski, CSJ:
"It is 8 a.m. and I am sitting here thanks to Congressman Loebsack, practically in the front row with a perfect view of where the Pope will come out after the speech. The morning is lovely, mild with a light breeze, and the U.S. Army band starting to play a sprightly mixture of marching tunes and hymns which have us all in a festive mood. The whole city seems to have been taken by this humble man who has called us all to the message of Christ. I still hardly can believe I am here.
"His progress from the Nunciature to here has been followed on the giant screens which dot the grounds. At every stop to touch or bless someone the crowds react with 'ahs' and 'oohs' of satisfaction. His ability to connect with people is beyond words: what a gift God has given him! And how generously he shares it!"
8:45 a.m.
"The Pope has arrived at the Capitol and stopped first at the Speaker's office. At every sight of him on the Jumbotrons the crowds erupt. It a joyous but very friendly crowd.
"He is moving now to the Chamber, and the sense of anticipation grows, with the hundreds of children calling out chants like 'We love Francis, how 'bout you?' and other chants that make you think you are at an enormous non-competitive soccer match among friends on a perfect late summer morning. The wide angle shots down the mall show the tens of thousands who have gathered to catch their own glimpse of 'Papa Francisco.'"
After the Address
"With all its usual pomp and ceremony, the House welcomed the Senate first, then the diplomatic corps, the Cabinet and the Supreme Court. Then, with almost a hush, the Speaker welcomed 'Pope Francis from the Holy See.' The Chamber erupted, and so did the tens of thousands of us on the West Capitol stairs and down into the Mall. A security officer I asked put the number between 80,000 and 90,000, but that may be a preliminary number. The Pope responded humbly and graciously, then began his address. I was touched by his determination to do his speech in English, without translation, even though it was not a language he was comfortable in: I found that a profound gesture, both humble and respectful, reflecting back upon a time I gave a commencement address in Spanish at a University in Spain. All of us at this event were touched by his desire to touch us directly, in our own language, despite what labor it cost him.
"Among the thousands outside, I felt a hush come over us, as though we wished to meet his struggle to communicate with our own struggle to understand him, both sides desirous for connection, for a kind of communion with each other. As he has done all over the world, he reflected a careful study of our culture, and challenged us gently to be a country where our political system and economic system could strive to be, as he said, 'modern, inclusive and sustainable.' Those are three themes we have seen consistently in his papacy for the past 2 1/2 years: he urges us to keep moving forward into the future and not fear modernity; he challenges us to make sure that no one is excluded, especially those most vulnerable, such as the elderly or the young; he pleads for us to bring a heart for the earth, as he called it, 'our common home.' He wove those ideas so beautifully through his address, setting before us four models from among us: Abraham Lincoln, who, he said, called us to protect liberty; Martin Luther King, who challenged us to include all in our American Dream; Dorothy Day, who championed the cause of social justice; and Thomas Merton, who set before us a goal for developing a 'capacity for dialogue.' And he used his own role, as the Pontifex, to say that it was his duty to build bridges.
"As an academic, I was touched and challenged when he called on 'academic and research institutions' to make a contribution to our society, and certainly our mission at St. Ambrose, and its long tradition of work for peace and justice can be inspired by his words.
"His simple but profound reminder of the Golden Rule when dealing with others, and his ending emphasis on the family and the need to reach out to the most vulnerable among families certainly challenges us all to work for the betterment of families in our world today.
"The applause and cheers, both in the Chamber and outside were thunderous, as I think we all realized we had heard some historic and inspiring words. When he emerged outside on the balcony, all of us outside roared our approval and welcome. And his final words to us, giving us his blessing and asking for our prayers, brought back for me that first night the world saw him, when I was privileged to be in St. Peter's Square, when he humbly asked for OUR blessing. I was deeply moved at his gesture of inclusivity to all in his audience, both in person and on TV, when he recognized that some in the audience might not pray: his humble request that they send best wishes his way truly moved me, as he recognized the pluralism of our country and respected it.
"All of you were with me in prayer in this historic moment. May God bless our Pope and us all."
–Sister Joan
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