Our Lady of Fatima Reverend: 'The Pope Practices What He Preaches'

Photo Credit (Our Lady of Fatima): “Father Rich” with his good friend Rev. William B. Palardy, rector of Blessed John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, on Wednesday outside the White House.

Reverend Richard M. Erikson was among those privileged to attend the welcoming ceremony of Pope Francis to the White House on Wednesday. He also sat inside the Basilica as the pope was greeted by the congregation.

Sudbury Patch asked Rev. Erikson to share his reaction to Pope Francis’s historic visit to the United States.

“He is an extraordinary pastor and leader,” said Rev. Erikson. “He practices what he preaches, which is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As the Holy Father knelt and prayed in front the Blessed Sacrament in the Basilica, I prayed for all the parishioners of Our Lady of Fatima, for my family and friends and for our troops. There is great excitement about the Holy Father’s visit in Washington, D.C. and at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Sudbury. We are all praying for continued safety for Pope Francis and that his visit will increase our faith.”

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