As we noted, the Pope celebrated Mass in a parish church in Castel Gandolfo on the Assumption. Some tidbits about the day:

On Ferragosto [as the Italians familiarly refer to the August 15 holiday], the Pope followed a tradition and walked to the parish church of Castel Gandolfo to celebrate a Mass in honor of the Virgin of the Assumption.

It wasn’t more than 300 meters from the Papal residence to the Church but it required awesome security arrangements. And only 200 persons [the little church’s capacity], rigorously screened, were admitted into the church.

After the Mass, the Pope lingered in greeting the people who lined the barriers along Liberty Plaza leading to the Papal residence.

And yesterday, Wednesday, some 4,500 people showed up for the general audience, causing serious difficulties for the local forces of law and order who were not expecting that size of a crowd.

At least 400 agents of law and order are on duty at Castel Gandolfo to safeguard the security of the Pope and the pilgrims. This includes the carabineri’s canine unit and State police. Sharpshooters were stationed on rooftops to watch every step of the Pope’s progress on foot between the residence and church and back.

Meanwhile, everyone was happy at the Pope’s demonstration of affection.

"Bneedict XVI knows our history and traditions in this city," said Mayor Maurizio Colacchi. "He is doing us great honor with hi s simple and sincere actions."

The text of the Pope’s homily on that day.