Admiration

Admiration, originally uploaded by Stephanie A. Richer.

I took this photo on Sunday night, before the March for Life, at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. The place was packed - according to one security officer, the official count was 17,851 people at the Vigil Mass.

There was a multitide downstairs in the crypt as well. This young lady was earnestly speaking to a Franciscan friar about God, about what was happening. Look at her eyes - she has naught but admiration for him, someone fully committed to his vocation.

This is why I say it is important for our clergy and religious to wear their clerics, robes, cassocks, and habits - yes, it does set them apart and yes, some people may be put off by it. But it inspires VOCATIONS because the future, the youth, see them and evidently feel they might have answers.

I have heard one priest say to me that he doesn't like to wear his Roman collar on an airplane. Why?! That person who sits next to you, who knows if you are just the person they want to talk to. I never shy away from telling people I am a lawyer - so what if they ask me a legal question! I do not understand why a priest or any religious would shy away from letting people know who they are . . . unless they themselves are not secure in answering that question.