At 93 years old, "I can say without a doubt that this is the happiest day of my life, even though I’ve known 'Father Bob' for about half a century, back from our High School days in Chicago and his entry into the Augustinian family, having shared so many important milestones in the future Pope's life," shared Anne Russell. Having traveled to the general audience from her hometown parish of Nativity of Our Lord and Saint Gabriel alongside 50 fellow parishioners - led by pastor Father James F. Hurlbert - Anne described her profound emotions to Vatican News following her encounter with the Pontiff.
The Chicago delegation was gathered inside the colonnade when the Pope, during his initial tour aboard the open-air popemobile, recognized them and stopped to offer a personal greeting. "Perhaps, in all the noise of the moment, he didn't hear me call out from afar, 'Father Bob!' But afterward, we had the incredible opportunity to meet him for a group photo, bringing back so many wonderful memories," Anne added.