Final preparations & rehearsals for Papal mass Catholic Universi - NBC12 - WWBT - Richmond, VA News On Your Side

It is the dead of night and still a buzz at Catholic University and police are working steadily to get everything in working order for Wednesday's canonization mass. Students, and even Professor Patrick Book, couldn't be happier about all the excitement.

"I think it’s fantastic," Brook says. "I think it’s a great honor for the university, The catholic University of America, to be hosting our Holy Father for his visit for the mass here in DC."

The Pope’s mass will take place at Catholic University on Wednesday. NBC12 was on campus as final preparations were being made for the evening.
  
"Probably started this about a week ago putting up the fences and the bleachers, so it’s been pretty hectic," Victor Licata says. "A lot of security."

Rightfully so... to monitor and handle thousands that will make their way to the Basilica of the National Shrine for the Pope's mass. Father John Paul will be among the crowd. He was on campus at Catholic Tuesday night, watching as final practices took place.

"Very excited to see the Pope and to see him in person," Father John Paul says. "He has been such a great inspiration for so many people and especially for me."

Father John Paul was ordained as a priest back in June. This is his first time seeing a Pope in person, an occasion he's waited a lifetime to experience.

"Someone who is so well loved throughout the world... to have him come here is a great honor and very joyful,” Father John Paul says.

Pope Francis will make a stop at the White House first thing Wednesday morning.  He will then lead a parade on the National Mall.

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