There is no need for me to describe the funeral; I am sure you have followed

the liturgy on TV and already appreciate its solemnity, beauty and impact.

I presume the television picked this up, but I was startled by the cry of

"Saint, Saint, Saint" from several corners of the square. This is how

canonization happened in the Middle Ages! We were moved by the love and

enthusiasm of the young people--initially reluctant to join them in

applauding, eventually we decided if you can't beat 'em... One of the most

poignant moments came when the pallbearers held the casket aloft for a final

salute from the crowd. Two of my tougher priest friends began to cry.

I will only add that we had wonderful seats, directly in front of the altar,

before the colonnade (perhaps forty rows from the steps). Although we were

not as close as the bishops and dignitaries, we had a panoramic view of the

sanctuary and a chance to look sideways now and then at the large screens,

which they did not. And we were seated with a minimum of difficulty--after

a few anxious moments on our arrival... there was quite a crush. I hope

someone pays tribute to the brilliant organization by the Italian officials

and the calm and helpful attitudes of the various police and armed forces.

On that subject: a friend from Calgary arrived this morning, having planned

her holiday long ago. But the flight was early, so she thought she'd try

her best to get to the funeral. Needless to say, it required a pass to get

anywhere close. When she found herself turned away at a checkpoint, she

pleaded with the policeman to no avail. Then she pulled out a letter from

her purse, which had informed her (months ago) that she would have tickets

for next Wednesday's papal audience! The policeman (and several others on

her way towards the square) was either very kind or didn't read English, for

she sailed through on the strength of that very official Vatican document!

It was an enormous privilege to be at St. Peter's this morning, one I

certainly didn't deserve. So I made a point of asking God to make you and

your prayers present through me, and prayed for your intentions also during

the liturgy.

Thank you for your kind e-mails in response to my messages. I will probably

not be able to reply to all of them, because I still have Canadian pilgrims

to attend to this weekend, and then school will bite back on Monday!

Thank you too for sharing this amazing experience with me through your

messages, calls and prayers. I was doubly grateful to be here knowing that

you found my reports brought these days of grace a bit closer. Let's pray

now that this historic week bears equally unprecedented fruit in the lives

of the millions touched by the life and death of Pope John Paul II.

Good-bye for now.