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| Fr. Jim McEnery, a priest of the Diocese of Madison, gives Pope Francis music for an “Ave Maria” that he wrote. Father McEnery is observing 65 years as a priest this year. (Contributed photo) |
A far-fetched idea of offering Holy Mass with Pope Francis ended up a reality for a Diocese of Madison priest — plus getting a hug from the Holy Father.
The occasion: Fr. Jim McEnery, a priest of the Diocese of Madison, and his classmate, Fr. Richard Kuhn of the Archdiocese of Dubuque, are observing their 65th year of ordination to the priesthood this year.
A special invitation
After receiving “how-to” advice from some higher-ups in Rome, and a mailing address provided by Msgr. James Bartylla, then vicar general of the Diocese of Madison, and after waiting months and pretty much giving up on the idea, an email from Pope Francis’ personal secretary finally arrived. It invited them to celebrate “at the Holy Father’s Mass in the chapel of Domus Sanctae Marthae on Monday 12 November next, promptly at 7:00 a.m.”
Father Jim could hardly believe his eye. Not much time to prepare meant scrambling for tickets, but soon he and his classmate were on their way, non-stop Miami-to-Rome on Alitalia, economy class.
Arriving in Rome
On Saturday, their driver picked them up at Leonardo da Vinci Airport. Their small hotel, the Residenze Poalo VI, was about 50 feet from the famous Bernini columns, and not much farther from the Cancello de San’Ufficio, where they were to check in on Monday morning.
Many a cardinal and archbishop had signed the guest register of this hotel, including names like Dolan and Listecki, so it seemed to be “the” place to be. (The restaurant is open until 1 a.m. to accommodate concert goers.)
