Video: Kuwait-based group take 24-hour turnaround trip to attend Papal Mass

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Video: Kuwait-based group take 24-hour turnaround trip to attend Papal Mass

Their spirits remained high as Pope Francis left the altar at Zayed Sports City to travel back to the Vatican.

by

Kelly Clarke

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Published: Tue 5 Feb 2019, 3:00 PM

Last updated: Tue 5 Feb 2019, 5:04 PM

Some travelled across emirates, others across countries to witness Pope Francis' Homily on Tuesday. All in all, it was a 24-hour turnaround trip for one prayer group that attended the Papal mass in Abu Dhabi. And when asked if the time, money and effort spent getting there was worth it, it was a resounding "yes".
With some members of the Couples for Christ - Kuwait prayer group donned in colourful tee-shirts bearing the words 'Celebrate God's Gift', their spirits remained high as Pope Francis left the altar at Zayed Sports City to travel back to the Vatican.
Although it marked the end of a journey, the group had spent months planning and saving for, the blood sweat and tears to get there paid off, they said.
Setting off from Kuwait at about 8pm UAE time on Monday evening following a full day's work, the 12-strong group, made up of couples, arrived in the early hours of Tuesday morning in anticipation for the historic mass.

Despite the low temperatures in the morning and a lack of sleep, the smiles couldn't be wiped from their faces as they reminisced on fresh memories of the 90-minute mass.
"We travelled all the way from Kuwait to take the blessings from the Holy Father. We reached Dubai airport at about midnight, then took a bus from the access point in the city and arrived at the stadium at 5am. Though the journey was tedious, we didn't feel it because it was a blessing to witness the occasion. Faith carried us through," Peter Bernard told Khaleej Times.
Thanking the generosity of the UAE government too, he said after a long journey from Kuwait, they arrived to free breakfast at the stadium, something they were not expecting.

"It was heartwarming. We thank them, but more than anything, we thank them for allowing us to see the Holy Father. Being blessed by him was the gift we were waiting for. We are going back to our place with hearts full of joy," he said.

Once the mass ended at about noon on Tuesday, it was straight back on the bus to Dubai airport for the group, whose flight departed to Kuwait in the late afternoon. With all heading back to work today to share memories of the unique encounter.
kelly@khaleejtimes.com


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