WASHINGTON -- It wasn't a small or an intimate reception, but for some in the Diocese of Providence it was nonetheless memorable.

A record 13,500 people attended a reception for Pope Benedict XVI on the south lawn of the White House April 16, which was also the Holy Father's 81st birthday.

While most of those present were members of the general public, Msgr. Paul Theroux, vicar general of the diocese; Father Bernard Healey, pastor of St. Ambrose in Albion and governmental liaison for the diocese; and John Barry, secretary of social ministry, were among those invited by President and Mrs. Bush.

"I'm glad I went," said Msgr. Theroux last Thursday, "though my legs are still tired from walking and standing."

He called Benedict's message "a strong one on the freedom of being American, and the responsibilities that go with that." But even more moving than the words, he said, "was the enthusiasm of the crowd. It was such a big crowd, but you could feel his presence. He connects well, and his spirituality is tremendous."

Not far from Msgr. Theroux stood "a man with a little boy on his shoulders. What memories he will have!"

Fr. Healey and Barry were on risers in front of the stage and podium.

"It was an impressive ceremony and made me truly proud to be a Catholic and an American," said Father Healey, adding that the Holy Father's address reminded everyone "that all they do in their political and social lives as Americans must find their origin in God."

The stirring rendition of the Battle Hymn of the Republic, which closed the ceremony, sent shivers down his spine.

"It was a touch of the divine on the south lawn," he said.

Fr. Healey said the ceremony also made him think about the many sacrifices his grandparents and parents made as American Catholics, and the great privilege it was to sit before the Holy Father and the President of the United States on such a historic occasion.

"We ended by joyfully singing 'Happy Birthday' to the Holy Father to mark his special day."

John Barry almost missed the event entirely. "I'm not great on opening e-mails," he explained Monday. "I'd been getting the same one for a week but I didn't recognize the site so I didn't open it. When I finally did, it was an invitation to the White House and it said this was the last time they were going to contact me."

He responded, and as a result had "a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We were in close, we could see well. And the remarks by the pope made you very proud to be a Catholic. How often are you going to be on the south lawn of the White House seeing the Holy Father welcomed to the United States?"

CHRIST OUR HOPE: APOSTOLIC JOURNEY TO THE UNITED STATES 2008
Papal visit begins at White House; thousands gather Posted Apr. 24, 2008

BY MARCIA GRANN O'BRIEN, Editor & BRIAN J. LOWNEY, Assistant Editor