On an unseasonably cold day in Italy, a group of 45 Mid-Missourians were huddled close to a railing holding back the crowd from the St. Peter's Basilica creche.
Rumors were spreading that the pope would not come out in such weather. But the American group stayed, and it was worth it. They witnessed his annual blessing of the Nativity.
It appeared the pope was leaving, as the crowds began to thin. But then it turned out he was shaking hands along the same barrier.
Sister Laura Magowan, Incarnate World Sisters of San Antonio, was three rows behind during the blessing. She edged her way to the second row when she saw the pontiff coming her way.
"He was shaking all the hands he could reach," Magowan said.
A space at the front opened just as the pope arrived, and the 65-member group traveling with the Immaculate Conception Festival Choir from Jefferson City was overjoyed when Magowan shook his hand.
"He had the most wonderful smile, peaceful, and beautiful blue eyes," she said. "I was so excited. I could not have imagined that would ever happen."
The same was true for this opportunity for her to tour the holy sites of Rome. Although Magowan was not a regular member of the church choir, she joined them for their trip and singing engagements in Italy recently.
The Immaculate Conception Festival Choir left Dec. 26, despite their original director moving on and traveling with a substitute director David Byrne, organist and music director at St. Luke the Evangelist Church in St. Louis.
The musical highlight of the week was participating in the Papal Mass New Year's Day with the Sistine Chapel Choir. The group joined various choirs at other events and parishes throughout their week to sing American Christmas hymns, something the Italian people love to hear, members said.
"The acoustics were just fantastic," said Mitzi Broermann. "You couldn't ask for a better setting."
The tourists also appreciated the history and artistry surrounding them in the foreign country.
"They have things so much older than what we have in the states," Marlene Kuster said.
But for most, it was the chance to see the pope with their own eyes, to see him celebrate Mass.
"Being close to the pope was the highlight for me," Kuster agreed.