By Monsignor Noel C. Burtenshaw

I must send a word of jubilant thanks to Father Maurie Fox, Director of Communications of the Archdiocese of Washington. He is the one who made my trip to Washington for John Paul’s visit a complete success.

Father Fox, a broad shouldered, diminutive whirl-wind, who coordinated all press activities for the Papal visit to the Capitol, asked me to assist his staff at the Reflecting Pool between the Lincoln Monument on Saturday morning. After arriving at Andrews Air Force Base, the pope would helicopter to this beautiful spot.

It was a cool, bright autumn fresh morning at the Pool. The brilliant sunshine cast long shadows on this spot that was surely a photographer’s delight. My job was to assist the press group accredited to cover the arrival of the pope.

The first two helicopters arrived at 11:15 a.m. Dignitaries of Church and State strolled across the lawn. From the big birds, purple sashes blowing in the fresh breeze. Both helicopters quickly leaped into the skies leaving the open space ready for John Paul’s landing.

The big military copter soon appeared gliding over the Lincoln Memorial like a giant flying truck. As it landed, the pope could be seen through the window smiling and waving. As if anxious to be out in the sunshine, he quickly disembarked.

A crowd of 10,000, safely behind police barriers, wildly chanted and applauded. The pope waved to them. Instead of proceeding as the program directed, to the receiving line, the gleaming white clad figure slowly headed for the flag-waving crowd.

Quickly changing his mind, he returned to the waiting dignitaries. He seemed most intrigued with the presentation of the Key to the City of Washington. The pope took it from the case and held it up saying, “Now I can even open the City of Washington.”

But, as always, the crowd was on his mind. He waved to them as if wanting them to know he would soon be with them. Then he turned to the group of press reporters and photographers. He approached them and waved greetings. At that point, he noticed my press badge as I stood with the group. He looked for a moment, extended his hand to me and said, “You are a priest, but you are also a journalist.” It was one of those golden moments, to be forever savored.

Quickly he was gone to his impatient flock, standing in the shadow of the candle-like Washington Monument. As I came down to earth, I realized my camera was sitting around my neck.

I had forgotten, in the ecstatic moment, to take the picture of a lifetime.