Frank, Lisa and Lorenzo Covello wait along Bristol Pike outside the St. Katharine Drexel Shrine waiting to see Pope Francis on Sunday morning. The pope did not have a scheduled appearance planned at the site, but many showed up in hopes that he would make a surprise visit. MELISSA YERKOV / TIMESÂ PHOTO
A rally of pilgrims gathered at St. Katharine Drexel Shrine in Bensalem this morning with high hopes of catching a glimpse of Pope Francis. There were rumors circulating throughout the Northeast Philadelphia and Lower Bucks County communities that the pontiff was going to visit the National Shrine following his scheduled appearance at Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility.
The prison is located 5.3 miles from St. Katharine Drexel Shrine. When local residents noticed a high police presence on the Bensalem site — paired with the fact that Pope Francis mentioned St. Katharine during a speech on Saturday — many decided to make the trip.
“I saw the pope when I was his age in 1979,” said Lisa Covello, referring to her son, Lorenzo, 7, while sitting on the side of Bristol Pike this morning. “I was hoping that he could see the pope and it would become a family tradition.”
The Covello family — Northeast Philly natives who now live in Bensalem — were a few among dozens gathered on Bristol Pike in hopes to see the now-famous black Fiat drive by with the Holy Father inside.
Once on the St. Katharine Drexel Shrine grounds, the crowd quickly grew. Children played as parents speculated the details of the pope’s visit. There was an obvious police presence on site, but most were doubtful of Pope Francis’ visit due to the lack of Secret Service or security checkpoints, similar to the ones set up on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Although no plans of a Pope Francis appearance were ever announced or confirmed, the plethora of pilgrims gathered were optimistic. Many lined the streets behind the shrine, hoping and praying for a surprise visit.
The Sisters of the Holy Family traveled a long way to see the Holy Father, but as of this morning, haven’t had their opportunity yet.
“Yesterday, we stayed out there all day, but we didn’t get to see him,” said Sister Alicia Costa, SSF, who traveled from New Orleans, Louisiana to Philadelphia’s festival grounds. “We didn’t see him but we were on holy grounds. He’s so affectionate and down to earth. People can feel his presence. He is a breath of fresh air to the church and to the world.”
After approximately two hours, the crowds began to thin. Word quickly spread that the pontiff had arrived at his next destination, and hopes of a surprise appearance dwindled.
Sill, though, attendees expressed understanding, many commenting on how busy the previous day’s itinerary was for the Holy Father and also noting his age. As crowds left the shrine grounds, many spoke of plans to watch the Papal Mass at 4 p.m., while others were heading downtown to watch the Mass in person.
“It says something about the humanity of a social leader who sees the people he represents as himself,” said Sister Clare Of Assisi Pierre, SSF, who also traveled from New Orleans for the World Meeting of Families event. “He brings an aura of peace and simplicity that helps him connect with all human beings — the sick, the young, all human beings. He speaks a language that anyone can understand. Some human beings are just more human.” ••
People gather across the street from the St. Katharine Drexel Shrine in hopes of seeing Pope Francis on Sunday morning. MELISSA YERKOV / TIMESÂ PHOTO
Although no plans of a Pope Francis appearance were announced or confirmed, people lined the streets behind the St. Katharine Drexel Shrine, hoping for a surprise visit on Sunday morning. MELISSA YERKOV / TIMESÂ PHOTO
