CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Wheeling Jesuit University students will travel to both Washington D.C. and Philadelphia this week to witness Pope Francis’ visit to the United States.
Six students, along with professors, will travel to Washington D.C. to watch the Pope’s address on the lawn of the National Mall Wednesday. A group of about 30 students and professors will travel to Philadelphia to attend his celebration Mass Sunday.
“Many of us are really excited to get a chance to see the Pope,” said Jamey Brogen, the Director of Campus Ministry. “I think this Pope, especially, has really captured a lot of us with his personable style.”
University officials have been holding a number of information sessions and activities this month to engage the campus and community about the Pope’s visit and what to expect.
“When we have the information sessions to tell the students what they might be in for on what’s going to be a very difficult trip, students are like ‘oh, but we’re so excited,'” Brogen said.
Brogen said even though it will be challenging to get through the crowds of people that will be in Philadelphia, they have students and faculty that are really looking forward to the trip.
“For many students, the Pope has just been really good at conveying, I think, the love and joy of the Gospel. I think he’s brought a breath of fresh air for some students that see the church as kind of more distant. He helps make it what it is — a community of people,” he said.
The Pope will be visiting the United States from Sept. 23-27.