Day 4 - Canonisation Mass

As I recall, the actual canonisation part (and remember I was listening to a translation) amounted to not much more than the cardinal who was in charge asking Pope John Paul II if he accepts the request for canonisation, and the Pope agreeing. Of course, years of research was expended to reach this stage, which was really just a formality. [Though I did wonder what would have happened had the Pope said "No" :) ]

Pope John Paul II on the dias for canonisation Mass

The altar and general scene. The cardinals are seated to the right (gold and white); the Pope is the middle of the three people seated under the canopy.

Pope John Paul II on the dias for canonisation Mass on TV screens

Thank heavens for TV - the best view we had of the Pope during Mass.

Presentation of the gifts during canonisation Mass

The presentation of the gifts.

Papal Mass during canonisation

The Eucharistic Prayer

Phalanx of priests walking out to distribute Communion

Distribution of Holy Communion. The priests (in white) descending from the altar are met at the bottom of the steps by an assistant holding a white umbrella. This indicates the location to receive Communion, and thus the crowd knows where to go. It worked rather well, all things considered. The logistics of distributing Communion to 300,000 to 400,000 people over a short time is quite an undertaking.

Priests were under the white umbrellas to make their location highly visible

You can see how the white umbrellas are easily seen.

General view of the crowd in St. Peter's Piazza

The congregation at the end of Mass.

left arrowCanonisation Day
After Massright arrow