On a particularly gloomy and depressing day when Aer Lingus flight contacted the ground at Ireland West Airport in Knock, County Mayo, Pope Francis made his descent in an atmosphere filled with anticipation. Despite the customarily somber Irish weather, people’s spirits were lifted as the Pope was greeted with heartfelt enthusiasm, changing the mood entirely.
Mary McCarthy, embracing the moment and disregarding protocol, showered the Pope with a kiss on both cheeks, an act that she recalls with laughter, even though it was against standard practice. This greeting, which might be considered potentially upsetting, was received with good humor by the Pope, as evidenced by a photo she possesses.
McCarthy, along with her husband John and their four children, represented the kind of local family the Pope had asked to meet, establishing a personal connection ahead of the official dignitaries.
Pope Francis was in good spirits and appeared to enjoy the region, as noted by McCarthy. The joy of his visit was palpable, and the people of Mayo made sure to warmly welcome him with a little touch of local culture, including an attempt to involve him in their long-standing quest to win the All-Ireland Championship in Gaelic football. The gesture involved handing him a Mayo county jersey, a gesture meant not only to engage the Pope but also to curse the competing team as per local lore.
About a million people each year visit the Knock Shrine, the site of apparitions that occurred in 1879. Pope Francis paid his respects with a moment of silent prayer, further endearing himself to the locals with his jovial and canonical presence.
Throughout his visit, Francis was engaged with the community, and the impact was significant. From greeting local families, including the Parkinsons, a family dealing with the loss of their daughter Karen, who had Down Syndrome, to meeting with parishioners and the local rector, Fr. Richard Gibbons, the Pope fostered an atmosphere of happiness and togetherness, much to the delight of those present.
The visit of Francis marked the first time a pontiff had visited Ireland since John Paul II in 1979. Given the emotional investment substantially displayed by the Irish people towards the Pope, his funeral is anticipated to be a deeply felt event in their community. The West of Ireland holds Pope Francis in high esteem, valuing not only his authoritative and spiritual headship but also his humility and genuineness as a fellow pilgrim in faith.
Source: https://news.sky.com/story/rain-kisses-and-lifting-a-football-curse-when-pope-francis-came-to-knock-13355011
