New York City, N.Y., Sep 30, 2015 / 14:05 pm
Students and community members in East Harlem were moved, sometimes to tears, by Pope Francis' words and example during his visit to the New York neighborhood.
"It was mindblowing and at the same time very shocking," Aaron Diaz, a third grader from Our Lady, Queen of the Angels School told CNA, "because not many people are able to meet him."
Negueubou Kamwa, a fourth grader at Our Lady, Queen of the Angels, added that the meeting "amazing and it was like a big opportunity and a blessing," and that the experience was so overwhelming "I started crying all over the place."
"It was just incredible, and I cried."
Pope Francis visited Our Lady, Queen of the Angels on Sept. 25, during the second day of his visit to New York City. While at the school, the Pope met with students from four schools in the neighborhood, as well as with migrants and refugees chosen by Catholic Charities of New York.
Diaz explained that out of over 7,000 students in the neighborhood, there were "only six of us and I was chosen."
While the students didn't have time to talk to Pope Francis, Pope Francis spoke to them – and was very funny, Diaz said.
"When we were singing he said 'are you asleep!? Make it louder!'"
Diaz was also excited to receive a picture, and pulled out a his rosary. "He actually blessed it," he explained, responding when asked if he would pray with it, "yes, I will."
This 8 y/o had a "mind-blowing" and "shocking" meeting w/ Pope Francis. #PopeinNYC via @AddieDMena pic.twitter.com/WcRrKSjXMS
- Matthew Hadro (@matthadro) September 26, 2015