PHILADELPHIA >> There was plenty of brotherly love shown to Pope Francis upon his arrival to Philadelphia on Saturday morning.
Thousands lined behind fences set up along the Ben Franklin Parkway, eager for a chance to see the pope as his motorcade made its way from Atlantic Aviation at the Philadelphia International Airport to the Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter and Paul for Mass.
Jack McMenamin, 69, of the East Oak Lane section of Philadelphia, was among those in the crowd.
Dressed in a full tuxedo complete with a matching green bow tie and cummerbund and Villanova baseball cap, McMenamin wore a button on his lapel that read ‘Choir,’ a momento from 1979 when was a member of the papal choir during St. Pope John Paul II’s visit to Philadelphia.
“I sang in the cathedral up in the choir loft,” he remembered. “It was a special moment.”
He decided to dress up for the occasion as a tribute to Pope Francis. He chose a green tie and cummerbund after the pope was quoted as saying the color symbolized hope.
In anticipation of Pope Francis’ arrival to the city, McMenamin said the moment was just as exciting as it was more than 35 years ago.
“I’m not saying I’m reliving it,” he said. “I’m continuing something. I bet you can take a count. Not too many people can say they’ve had a pope come to town, not once, but twice.”
After the pope’s Fiat pulled up to the cathedral, an overwhelming roar erupted from the crowd, followed by the clicking of smartphones from those looking to get the perfect photo.
Regina Irwin, of Medford, N.J., was positioned on Race Street with her nephew, Conel Garrido, of Marlton, N.J., and sister, Katherine Muc, of Warrington, Pa.
“It’s inspirational,” Irwin said, “awe inspiring.”
“It’s a once in a lifetime experience,” Muc said. “I just hoped and prayed I was in the right spot at the right time. I got a great video and just watching it back brings tears to my eyes.”
Charles MacDonald, of Drexel Hill, said the pope’s visit was “a great world-class event,” and he was looking for a “spiritual enhancement” from seeing Pope Francis with his girlfriend’s children Angela and Anita.
“It’s great to be here in Philly,” he said. “Everybody else left. I went right on in.”
Staying at the Sheraton Hotel, MacDonald said everything has gone smoothly since he arrived Thursday.
“The city’s been friendly,” he said. “Law enforcement has been very polite. It should be secure for a world-class event. Everything is good.”
