The pope’s visit is just a happy memory now, but one writer, from Hawaii, has just published her delightful account of her visit to New York. (H/T to Rocco, who always seems to be in the right place at the right time.)

Here’s a snip, from her conclusion, the day after the mass at Yankee Stadium:

Today, I promised myself that I’d take my time and walk up to St. Patrick’s Cathedral to take a close look since we hadn’t been able to get inside while the Holy Father was in the city. The cathedral looked like a solid rock that sprung up from the earth with tall spires reaching to the skies and intricate stonework all over. It was beautiful in a solid sort of way. I lit candles at the St. Patrick chapel, giving thanks for all the kindnesses and generosity that got me there, fulfilling a desire that I never thought would come true. Who knew that since I couldn’t go on our parish retreat in Rome and Assisi and the general audience because of my kidney dialysis, the Holy Father would wind up “coming to see ME”? Well, me and a few other million people.

I also wanted to pray for our precious Franciscan Capuchin priests who staff St. Elizabeth’s and have been so good for us. The cathedral was especially dear since Father Mike was ordained there. I took advantage and walked all around, ending with a meditation at the Adoration Chapel and a prayer before the Pieta. I prayed that Mary would guide and protect me as she loved and cared for her Son.

I had a chance to read some of the newspaper articles about the papal visit. Everyone talked about how their impression of Benedict was now overwhelmingly positive. He was personable, gentle, direct, and had what one journalist called a charisma of humility. People found themselves attracted to his simplicity.

Everyone also remarked on how well and fit he looked. He can scoot up and down stairs and kept to a schedule that was jam-packed with events and more than 15 addresses.

For me, although his eyes always seem to be “looking” he was very serene and never seemed to get upset or anxious. He was also very courageous to take on issues such as clerical sex abuse. He’s a little lion.

I thank the good Lord that he allowed me the means and the opportunity to undertake the pilgrimage. There’s something about the Holy Father that makes you want to please him. Perhaps it’s the sense that he, too, is striving each day to live the Gospel and to radiate God’s love. If he can keep to the Journey, the least I can do is try to keep pace.

Amen.

Read what led up to that. As Martha Stewart would say: it’s all good.