Pope Benedict Blesses the Disabled and their Caregivers

Pope Benedict's visit to the United States has been filled with so many deeply touching and inspiring moments.

One that I'm sure will stay with me is the Pope's visit to the chapel at St. Joseph's Seminary in Younkers.

Before the Pope attended an outdoor youth rally at the seminary, with thousands and thousands of young people in attendance, and entertainment by Kelly Clarkson, the Pope met with the disabled and their caregivers in the chapel.

From Catholic News Service:

In the most intimate public event of the papal visit so far, Pope Benedict XVI blessed 56 disabled youths and their caregivers in the chapel of St. Joseph's Seminary in Yonkers April 19.

"God has blessed you with life, and with differing talents and gifts. Through these you are able to serve him and society in various ways," the pope said. "While some people's contributions seem greater and others' more modest, the witness value of our efforts is always a sign of hope for everyone."

He said, "Sometimes it is challenging to find a reason for what appears only as a difficulty to be overcome or even pain to be endured. Yet your faith helps you to break open the horizon beyond your own selves in order to see life as God does.

"God's unconditional love, which bathes every human individual, points to a meaning and purpose for all human life," he continued. "Through his cross, Jesus in fact draws us into his saving love and in so doing shows us the way ahead -- the way of hope which transfigures us all, so that we too, become bearers of that hope and charity for others."

The youths, ranging in age from 3 to18, were chosen from throughout the Archdiocese of New York by Catholic Charities and displayed a range of physical, emotional and developmental disabilities. Some were in wheelchairs or strollers. Others sat with their caregivers in the pews, which face the center aisle of the small chapel.

...As he walked up the chapel's aisle, he greeted each youngster, laying a hand on some of the children's heads, grasping their hands, coddling their faces or tracing a blessing on foreheads.

At the front of the chapel, he greeted and spoke quietly with a smiling Msgr. Kevin Sullivan, director of Catholic Charities for the Archdiocese of New York.

Then three youths approached the pope: Neyshadli Kenney, from St. Ursula Learning Center in Mount Vernon; Lauren Kurtz from Holy Family Parish in the Bronx; and Caitlin Menno from St. Charles Parish on Staten Island.

Kenney thanked the pope for taking the time to visit. She said, "Your presence inspires us to be stronger Christians and love Jesus more. May your presence also remind everybody in our world that all human life is sacred, even when challenged."

Kurtz and Menno presented the pope with a painting by a young artist who lives at a Catholic Charities residence.

The Cathedral of St. Patrick Young Singers and the New York Archdiocesan Deaf Choir performed "Take Lord, Receive" by Jesuit Father John Foley.

Pope Benedict was so gentle and loving with the children and their parents and caregivers.

His message was so beautiful:

"God's unconditional love, which bathes every human individual, points to a meaning and purpose for all human life. Through his cross, Jesus in fact draws us into his saving love and in so doing shows us the way ahead -- the way of hope which transfigures us all, so that we too, become bearers of that hope and charity for others."

There was such tenderness in the way Pope Benedict spoke and the way he interacted with the children.

Every human life is precious and has meaning and worth, bathed in God's unconditional love. Every life is a blessing. Pope Benedict calls us all to be bearers of hope and charity for others.

Of all the many events on the Pope's U.S. itinerary, this one wasn't historic or as majestic as the others, but it was just as important and powerful.