I was in attendance as the Pope made his way through Central Park on Friday. I witnesses a holy man who is loved throughout the entire world give the people a chance to see how much he loves them in return.
I believe Pope Francis is the presence of hope for this country. He believes in world peace, religious freedom and other important global issues that will make us strong and bond us as one nation, one world together.
He has a great message for everyone: that we are a global community that is not defined by skin color, sexual preference, race, or religion, but one with the word of God.
As a devout Catholic and a 20-year active member and officer of the Knights of Columbus Father Joseph O’Connell Council in Oceanside, I acknowledge God and the Blessed Mother in my life and in the way I live each day. I believe the pope was sent to the United States on a mission from God to unite the people. I believe with prayers and the love of God, nothing is impossible.
My mother, Dr. Dana Barry, who is a research scientist by trade, has inspired me in my faith. She wrote a book called “The Power of Prayer,” which is dedicated to everyone on his or her journey through life. The book is a true experience of faith in the Almighty Father, even when your faced with the most difficult problems and issues that life can throw at you.