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Fr David's Dispatches from Rome - Part Four

Monday 24 June 2019 - an audience with Pope Francis

Today could only be described as one of those that will be etched forever in my memory, an experience of unmistakable grace. 

Arch P and Fr DavidWe rose early and were transported to St Peter’s Basilica by a convoy of mini-buses, there to celebrate Mass at the Tomb of St Peter at 7.30am. Our prayer at this venerable site is one of the primary foundations of the Ad Limina pilgrimage. Mass was presided by the President of the Conference, Archbishop Coleridge. Following our Mass we gathered together before the tomb, as is the ancient practice, and prayed the Apostles Creed together. Powerfully, we were reminded that ours is truly an apostolic faith. By 9.30am we had gathered outside the Basilica at the Portone Di Bronzo (The Bronze Door) on the side of Bernini’s colonnade from where we were admitted to the Apostolic Palace for our audience with the Holy Father, Pope Francis. Escorted through  the labyrinth of reception rooms of the palace, each of us was greeted by Pope Francis personally as we entered his Library. For the next two hours we sat together alone as the group with him with complete freedom to ask him any questions or to make any observations we wished. There were no speeches, only conversation. The spirit was one of extraordinary fraternity. Assisted by a brilliant young translator, the Pope responded to each question and comment with the utmost attention, sensitivity, pastoral wisdom, humanity and humour. All of us, without exception, were deeply touched by his presence, generosity and encouragement. Over the two hours so much was shared that it is difficult to recall every part of the conversation. However, to sit so close to the Holy Father for such an extended time and to draw in his wisdom and understanding, for me was an exceptional experience. I conveyed to him “the joy of the people of our Diocese” and thanked him “for being my teacher.”  He farewelled each of us personally at the end, gifting us with a beautiful medallion of Mary, his recent Letter on Human Fraternity and a number of rosaries for friends. It will take me a significant time I think to savour and draw from the experience of being with him.

From this most memorable morning our convoy of buses escorted us from the Vatican to the campus of Australian Catholic University in Rome. We were greeted by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Greg Craven, and other leaders of the University, who over lunch introduced the impressive work of the university in Rome.

Back at the Vatican, later in the afternoon six of us met with Archbishop Filipino Iannone, President of the Pontifical Council for the Interpretation of Legislative Texts before joining many of the other Bishops meeting with Monsignor Robert Oliver, Secretary of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors. Each dialogue lasted about an hour and was rich with exchange and insight.

Having left Domus Australia at 6.30am we arrived back at 6.30pm. The end of the first day!

Very Rev Dr David Ranson 

2 bishops and a priest bishops waiting Swiss Guard