Participating in the Pope’s entry into the Holy Sepulcher

Yesterday, Friday May 15, 2009, I was in the Holy Sepulcher when the Pope visited. At about 10.00 in the morning, when the music began to play, everyone rose from their places with great emotion. There was a procession of Franciscans with the cross and the Gospel. The Pope prayed in the empty tomb of Jesus. When he emerged from there excitement was at its peak. I had to stand on a chair to see even a little. There was a prayer that included everyone and the Pope addressed the assembly. Thereafter he went up to the place of the crucifixion of Jesus, passing through the cheering crowd as Franciscan monks protected him. The event was beautiful and very special.