Papal mass attendees say faith carried them through 24-hour journey

Dubai - Despite the low temperatures in the morning and a lack of sleep, the smiles couldn't be wiped off their faces.

Some travelled across emirates, others across countries, to hear Pope Francis' homily on February 5. All in all, it was a 24-hour 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".
Some members of the Couples for Christ - Kuwait prayer group donned colourful T-shirts bearing the words 'Celebrate God's Gift', and their spirits remained high even after Pope Francis left the altar at the Zayed Sports City to travel back to the Vatican.
Although it marked the end of a journey - which 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 8:00pm (UAE time) on February 4, following a full day's work, the 12-strong group, made up of couples, arrived in the early hours of February 5 in anticipation of the historic mass.
Despite the low temperatures in the morning and a lack of sleep, the smiles couldn't be wiped off 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 5:00am. 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 that after a long trip from Kuwait, they were welcomed with 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.
As soon as the Mass ended at about noon on February 5, it was straight back on the bus to Dubai airport for the group, whose flight departed for Kuwait in the late afternoon - with all heading back to work today to share memories of the unique encounter.
kelly@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai