just calm and silence. Then it struck me that it could be due to midnight mass people may have attended and were still in their beds. However, there were Christmas trees outside every house, colourfully done up with buntings and lights.
I was asked to be at St Peter’ s basilica at 11 am for special Christmas Mass to be conducted by the Pope himself. I could see multitudes of people from different countries as I approached the St Peter’ s Square. There was a big and lovely Christmas decoration done up at the entrance, as a rural setting. There was a hut on a hillock and inside it was Mary holding the new-born Jesus, with a group of beholden people gazing at the wonder.
I was sceptical whether I would be allowed inside the Church, but there was no restriction and I went in and occupied a good seat close to the aisle. The church was soon filled up with people and there was palpable excitement all around. A sudden burst of clapping startled me and I turned back to see Pope John Paul II enter the church in a procession led by several bishops and functionaries. The clapping continued non-stop as he slowly walked down the aisle, waving to all, and took his seat at the altar. I had the privilege of seeing him from very close quarters and even photographing him( unfortunately it got botched up when someone ' s arm suddenly came in the way!). He conducted the special mass that went on for quite some time. Unaccustomed to the proceedings, I just lapped up whatever was going on.
After the mass, we all came out. I could see a huge crowd in the St. Peter’ s Square; obviously, all those who could not get entry into the church once it was full. The people were waiting for the customary Christmas address by the Pope, from the balcony at the second floor. We had to wait for some time. Then Pope John Paul came into the balcony to a thunderous applause of people gathered in the forecourt. He blessed everyone and delivered his message of global peace and love. I was standing there, a part of the excited crowd, looking up at him. Oh, what a spectacle, which I had previously seen only on TV!
That was Christmas 1983 for me! I knew that I may not ever get another opportunity like this. Such moments come but once in a lifetime.
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