Thanks to NZ Marist Joseph of the Marist community in Rome for sending this from-the-crowd perspective from St. Peter’s Square.

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I was fortunate enough to participate in the 8th Day Mass of Novemdiales – 9 days of Mourning for the late Pope Francis – held at St Peter’s Basilica.

This event was coordinated by the ‘Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life’ which specifically invited every consecrated religious around Rome to pray for the eternal repose of the late Pope.

As a professed Marist, it was an incredible experience and privilege to participate in this event. I saw not just thousands of religious from various congregations, traditions and spiritualities but also a range of different cultural backgrounds and ages. It really highlighted how rich the church is in its diversity but also it’s unity in our common faith and shared grief of the passing of the vicar of Christ, the pope.

The huge basilica was really filled with people singing. Despite arriving 40mins early, the only available seats were at the back. This turned out to be a blessing, feeling the cool breeze as I suspect it would cost alot to have air-conditioning!

Fast forward a few days, being physically present in Rome for the announcement of Pope Leo XIV and ‘Urbi et Orbi’ was an experience that I will never forget!

Hundreds of thousands of people literally running through narrow streets, determined to catch even a glimpse of the new Pope.

Overcrowded metros, traffic jams, police checkpoints – none of these deterred the faithful. I raced an elderly sister who was gently but resolutely weaving through the crowds.

I managed to find a spot in front of a large screen, with a distant view the central balcony. Around me stood groups of religious and, to my surprise, alot of young people – perhaps a story for another time.

In the span of a few days, sorrow turned into joy, mourning of loss to the excitement of new beginnings. It felt as though the Paschal Mystery had come alive in a different way. Being in Rome during this time made this season of Easter feel especially real, tangible and alive.