Catholic Utahns help out during pope's visit

Friday, Oct. 09, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A Judge Memorial Catholic High School alumna participated in the historic canonization Mass for Blessed Junípero Serra on Sept. 23, while a couple from Saint Francis of Assisi in Orem were among those who volunteered during the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia Sept. 22-25.

Cai Li Pleshe, Judge Memorial Class of 2014, now a student at Catholic University of America, held an umbrella over a deacon’s head as he distributed the Holy Eucharist to the faithful during the canonization Mass celebrated by Pope Francis at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Communion stations were marked by gold and white umbrellas throughout the assembly. 

“The experience was amazing and something that I won’t forget,” said Pleshe, a member of the campus ministry team. “I was selected to participate in the Mass because I have helped out with Masses before, and I was part of the preparation for the papal visit, including stuffing 30,000 bags for guests and organizing volunteer forms that were used as tickets for the event. It was hectic and very exciting.”

The Catholic University of America campus, which is adjacent to the basilica, was “pretty crazy” in preparation for Pope Francis’ visit, Pleshe said. “I was there a few hours before the Mass to help set up and to get through security. There were times where I just wanted Pope Francis to arrive already, so I could see him. I felt honored to be able to help.”

Plesh feels blessed to have been allowed to keep the umbrella she held during the Mass, she said. “[Pope Francis] is a very humble man. He asked us to pray for him, showing that he doesn’t see himself higher than the rest of us. When I walk past the basilica now, I just think back to the thousands of people and the Holy Father celebrating Mass on U.S. soil.” 

For Patty and Al Trujillo from Orem, “the miracles just keep happening since we returned,” said Patty Trujillo. “The trip was unbelievable. As many times as I saw Pope Francis, and as close as I was to him, was unreal.”

The Trujillos learned of the World Meeting of Families when the Knights of Columbus invited them to attend. “When I heard Pope Francis was going to be there, I told my husband I was going with or without him,” Patty Trujillo said. 

The Trujillos first saw Pope Francis in Washington, D.C. along the parade route, and then again the next day following the joint congressional session outside on the lawn. 

“It didn’t matter how far away we were, I could feel his presence,” said Patty Trujillo. “I was overcome with emotion.” 

Trujillo volunteered by handing out information to the attendees and directing them to different venues, and also volunteered in the VIP section in Independence Mall. “I was so blessed,” she said.

The messages Patty Trujillo took away from Pope Francis were “to be kind to people, and service is the greatest gift we have on earth,” she said.

The Trujillos stayed with a host family in New Jersey, and now “we have new friends,” Patty said. 

Staying with a host family was “out of my comfort zone,” said Al Trujillo. “I’m kind of shy, but the people were so gracious.”

What struck Al Trujillo was the faith of all the people present at the World Meeting of Families and their individual stories, he said. “I know my own and my wife’s story. We all have our pains and joy, but when you hear other people’s stories, you realize all these pilgrims were there with their own hope and love for Jesus, whether in gratitude or a need for help or for whatever reason.”

Al Trujillo has lost his parents, lost a son and survived cancer, he said. “Through Jesus, I’ve learned how to overcome things, survive and cope. I learned you can find peace, serenity and harmony through faith. We were all pilgrims on a journey – it was an incredible adventure. I got choked up out of gratitude just hearing the pope’s voice and seeing him; seeing other people’s joy and tears. We are so grateful for the success of our experience.” 

“Now we will go out and share the good news that there is hope for every situation,” said Patty Trujillo.