Pope Benedict XVI

    On October 11, 2009, I traveled to Rome to witness the canonization of my patron saint, St. Damien of Molokai. The Mass was celebrated by the late Benedict XVI, who resigned from the papacy in 2013 and passed away on December 31. A gentle, holy pope, Benedict will probably become a saint himself. 

    When you think about it, not many people can say that they've been to Mass with the pope, especially a canonization Mass. I consider myself very lucky that we were able to afford that trip, and very grateful for all that St. Damien and Pope Benedict have done for the Church. That was a day that I will never forget.