Washington D.C., Apr 16, 2008 / 01:53 pm (CNA).- Freddy Patino, a Colombian seminarian from the Archdiocese of New York, has been chosen to care for the Pope’s mitre and skullcap during his visit to New York.

Patino, who was born in Medellin, Colombia, and lives in Yonkers, was overjoyed at the news.  “They posted the lists, and I went and looked and realized I was chosen to carry the mitre during the Mass at Yankee Stadium.  I thought they made a mistake but they didn’t.  I am thrilled,” he said in a interview with Caracol Radio.

“On Friday the Pope arrives from Washingtom and we’re going to the UN to listen to his speech.  Later on Saturday I will be at the Mass with the Holy Father in the St. Patrick’s Cathedral,” he said.

“It’s a great privilege as well because it is the first time that a Pope will celebrate Mass in St. Patrick’s,” he added.

Patino said when he told the news to his mother, “she couldn’t hold back the tears.” If he has the chance to meet the Pope, he continued, he’ll ask him two things.  “First I’ll ask him to help us,” he said.  “I will say, Holy Father, help us resolve the problems in Colombia, you can help us.”  The second thing he will ask for is “a very, very special blessing for Colombia.”

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