Direct from Vatican City:
October 21, 2003
Parishioner Joe
Annechino reflects on a moment in history with His Eminence Justin
Cardinal Rigali, J.C.D., Archbishop of Philadelphia, on the occasion of
his elevation to the College of Cardinals.
“Have
you ever seen Jesus?” he asked.
Sure
enough, right there in front of us ...
I
remember those occasions so well. Usually,
it was late at night during summer camp while my cabin-mates and I were
musing about the mysteries of religious belief before surrendering to
serious sleep. Sometimes,
while we were school students, we’d extend a particularly provocative
theology discussion beyond the classroom to air opinions we were too
timid to try out on our teacher. Looking
back, I realize it was our way of
stumbling along the path of forming a philosophy we could intellectually
bank on after graduation.
Inevitably,
as reason retreated, I’d be thrown the power pitch, “Well, how can
we know?” It was the
attempt at checkmate, of course — often in two moves.
The second went something like, “There’s no proof of...[this
or that].” And, when the
topic concerned Christ, the most frequent closer was, “Have you ever
seen Jesus?
In
my years since then, I think I’ve seen him many times.
Most recently, here in Rome, where I’m standing among a circle
of seasoned but silent media reporters seeking stories to send to their
TV and radio stations for tonight’s news programs.
Their anchors will introduce correspondents like Pat Ciarrocchi
“live from the Vatican” — voice-over for viewers of video focused
on our Holy Father as he welcomes Philadelphia’s new Archbishop to the
College of Cardinals.
Pope
John Paul II, just moments ago, announced his name to the world: Justino
Francesco Rigali (his family name translates from the Italian word
“regal”).
But, as I’m shaking his hand and speaking to
him, I sense I’m no longer in the presence of Justin; I feel I’m in
the presence of Jesus.
The
man is standing in St. Peter’s speaking to us about the “importance
of rising to the challenge of living life with integrity” and the
“incredible impact it will have on society and the world.”
We listen intently as he exhibits a humility disarming to the
tough TV veterans, used to having others listen to them.
Sensing his audience is more impressed with his stature, he
corrals the crowd back to the spiritual.
“Both the Pope’s talk and the Gospel were all about service.
That’s what the cardinalate is all about.
There are just some nice colors to go along with it.”
Realizing
I’m meeting this man while parishioners of St. Patrick’s are meeting
their morning, (Italy is six hours ahead of the United States), I’m
struck by the sensation of somehow existing slightly out of line with
time. While my mind
perceives my surroundings as natural, my eyes present my subconscious
with an image supernatural. A
man appearing as preacher; a voice conveys comfort.
The comfort of arrival at a place slightly out of line with time
— a place I’ve sought instinctively all my life.
I
know this place; I know this face.
Justin Cardinal Rigali ... the face of a man like Christ.
I’m looking at our Savior.
Once again, I’ve seen Jesus!
Joe Annechino
Photograph:
Justino Cardinal Rigali. Joe Annechino is in the background to the
left. SOURCE: Web site -- Archdiocese of Philadelphia
