Very nice Mark, thanx! I was raised a Catholic as a child, and I guess I still am. But that was a very nice thing to say.

You deserve a hug...

{{{{{Mark}}}}}}

I got a chance to have an Audience with John Paul II in 1994. Don't get me wrong, this wasn't a one-on-one thing. We met in a large temporary building on the grounds of the Vatican.

The building was set up like an arena, with the stage in front, and a large entry-way/corridor.

I was sitting in the right wing.

When the center doors opened, and the Pope appeared, it was like Mick Jagger had walked out! The crowd went wild! Those of us who were'nt near him, stood on our chairs and cheered!

There were folks from...Everywhere...who were waving their Countries Flags...and shouting... "I'll Tuti Papa!" (sp.) Which in Italian translates to "The Great Father".!!!

He then made it down to his thrown on the stage. At the point he asked for folks to kneel, the sound of 300+ folks dropping off thier chairs and geting to their knees was very loud!

Even if you were'nt a Cathloic. John Paul the 2nd. was a very influetional man.

==Mike Pellerin==
R-5986