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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