It was all over the news feeds -- Pope Francis was going to give a special blessing on Friday 27 March 2020 at 6 PM Rome from the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica.
The pope’s blessing, Urbi et Orbi (To the city and the world) is usually reserved for Christmas Day and Easter Sunday. However this extraordinary blessing was being given in view of the current global situation as more people are being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This special blessing came with the opportunity for everyone to receive a plenary indulgence.
I was all for receiving a plenary indulgence. Heaven knows I need all the blessings I can get. The problem was I had deadlines to meet and ended up logging off late on Friday night and sleeping after 1AM. Before I went to bed I read the message of Sister Deer who is based in HK who said she was going to wake up for the Pope's blessings. I was not 100% sure I could say the same. You know, the spirit is willing but the body might still be asleep.
I knew I wanted to get some sleep but I really wanted to wake up for the Pope. Right before I slept, I did what I usually do when I felt I needed help, I asked the Holy Souls in Purgatory to wake me up if I was meant to get the blessings.
Lo and behold, I woke up right before 4 AM just in time to catch the Pope walking in the rain. (Thank you, Holy Souls in Purgatory!)
It was good to hear the Pope. In the midst of this pandemic, he remains a beacon of hope.
After he gave the blessings, I went to sleep hoping that I had received all the graces I possibly could.
When I checked my phone, I was extremely surprised to see this solid deep sleep. I guess when your heart is filled with joy and cleansed of sin, one can really feel at peace.
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