At Nationals Park, a very long day, but 'the Holy Spirit was there'

Published: 2008-04-18

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- People who had a professional interest in the April 17 papal Mass at Nationals Stadium -- security, media reps, choirs, musicians, stadium facilitators, food coordinators and souvenir vendors -- began arriving as early as 3 a.m. By 6 a.m. choirs positioned in the seats directly behind the makeshift altar were transported front and center to the humongous, walk-on-water TV screen with perfect color and sound towering in the backdrop of the papal altar. "I wonder if they truly realize just how stunning they are," said one woman who watched in rapt attention to rehearsals featuring stately soloists and passionate ensembles coordinated in dress. "Ave Maria ... gratia plena ..." echoed all around, hauntingly beautiful music. After the event, Dr. James Marsh, director of the Student Health Service at Georgetown University and a member of the papal Mass choir, said after seven weeks of weekly rehearsal, "Everything came together so beautifully today ... the setting, the sounds, the sites, the words of the Holy Father -- it was really incredible. With 45,000 people, it still was very intimate," he added. "The Holy Spirit was there."

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