500 Catholics from NNY will see pope

OGDENSBURG — About 500 north country Catholic parishioners and priests will attend Mass celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI during his first visit to the United States at Yankee Stadium.

The Mass on Sunday in New York City takes places the day after the pope celebrates the third anniversary of his election as pontiff.

The pope arrived Tuesday in Washington, D.C., to begin his six-day visit. He will continue on to New York City today.

"I think it is a wonderful experience for those who haven't seen the Holy Father," Bishop Robert J. Cunningham said last week. "It gives people the opportunity to strengthen their religion."

Parishioners will be leaving on buses from Watertown, Canton, Malone and Plattsburgh, along with people driving themselves to the stadium. About 100 people will leave Saturday morning from St. Mary's Church in Canton. The group will stay overnight Saturday at Mount St. Alphonsus Retreat Center in Esopus, about 100 miles north of New York City, before heading to the stadium to join about 57,000 other Catholics.

"It is a wonderful experience having two buses go down to experience the Mass," said the Rev. Timothy G. Canaan, pastor of St. Mary's Church. "It is a wonderful sight because he's the vicar of Christ and the chief shepherd."

Nearly 110 people will leave from St. Patrick's Church in Watertown for the Mass.

Father Canaan said he'll assist with Communion at the stadium while celebrating Mass with Pope Benedict in person for the first time. He twice previously celebrated Mass with Pope John Paul II in person, including once in the pope's private chapel at the Vatican.

"He's come to us like a good shepherd," Father Canaan said. "To me, that is just wonderful. His theme, 'Christ our Hope,' is perfect for what he's a symbol for. He's the vicar of Christ and he radiates the light of Christ. His message will reflect a great hope."

Bishop Cunningham returned from Rome earlier this month with a group of north country Catholic parishioners. The trip included attending Mass at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City on April 2, which marked the third anniversary of Pope John Paul II's death.

About 50 youths from the diocese also will travel to New York City, accompanied by diocesan youth ministry director James W. Lundy, to attend a youth rally Saturday at St. Joseph's Seminary in Yonkers, where nearly 20,000 youths are expected to hear Pope Benedict speak.

"I think it is a wonderful opportunity to identify with the person that is the vicar of Christ on earth," Bishop Cunningham said. "He will reconfirm their faith."

Sister Ellen Donahue and the Rev. Bernard D. Menard also will represent the Ogdensburg diocese during a Mass celebrated by the pope Saturday at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City.