Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Apr 23, 2025 / 15:51 pm
As the world commemorates Pope Francis this week, the memories of three Americans who shared intimate moments with him during his apostolic visit to the United States in September 2015 come to mind.
One of these individuals is Father Keith Burney, the pastor of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in historic St. Mary’s County, Maryland. He fondly recalls the surreal experience of serving at the pope’s Mass as a transitional deacon at The Catholic University of America.
During the Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, attended by over 25,000 people, Burney had the privilege of serving as the deacon of the Eucharist, preparing the chalice for the Holy Father.
He vividly remembers the moment when he raised the chalice of the blood of Christ as Pope Francis raised the body of Christ, an experience he never imagined he would have. “I would have never dreamed of it,” Burney told CNA.
Reflecting on the occasion, Burney recalled that although the Holy Father was unwell during his visit to campus, he seemed to come alive during the liturgy and preaching. “It takes a lot of energy, these big papal liturgies, and he was an elderly man, and I remember noticing him just kind of pouring himself out.”
Keating family
Chuck Keating, the director of a Catholic high school marching band from Philadelphia, was overjoyed when he learned that his students were selected to play for Pope Francis in the City of Brotherly Love on Sept. 2025.
When Chuck Keating received an invitation to meet Pope Francis on September 26, 2015, he was ecstatic. However, he was conflicted about one thing – whether to bring his then-10-year-old son Michael, who has cerebral palsy and is confined to a wheelchair.
Initially, Keating wasn’t planning on bringing Michael due to the challenges involved. But with the encouragement of Father Michael Fitzpatrick, the family’s pastor, Keating and his wife, Kristin, decided to take Michael along.
Father Michael emphasized that it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and that Michael should be a part of that moment. So, the Keating family went ahead and brought Michael with them.
When Pope Francis arrived at Philadelphia International Airport, Fitzpatrick’s words rang true. The Holy Father unexpectedly stopped his vehicle and approached the Keating family on the tarmac, momentarily silencing the cheers and music around them.
Pope Francis embraced Michael, offering him a blessing and a kiss on the head. Both Kristin and Chuck also had the opportunity to shake hands with Pope Francis during this unforgettable encounter.
Reflecting on the experience, Keating described it as surreal. Even now, the family celebrates the anniversary of the day Pope Francis blessed Michael, who is now 20 years old.
“It was just a great experience,” Keating shared with CNA, highlighting the profound impact of that moment with Pope Francis.
