Pope John Paul has been called the rock star of the Catholic Church. His followers included one unexpected screaming fan.

It is time for full disclosure. I've never been the fawning fan type. I've never stood outside all night to get concert tickets. The closest I've ever come is ordering my Lord of the Rings movie tickets online.

In 1988 I went to Rome with the Military Council of Catholic Women in Italy. Our tradition for the annual conference was to attend the Wednesday audience with the pope. As the conference director, I had an excellent seat. Just on the aisle, inside the Paul VI Audience Hall. As I sat with members of our group, we chatted about our great seats.

It quickly became evident that others coveted our seats. People would come up and ask us to move. They would try and stand in front of us by the aisle.

Why? Because it was John Paul II's tradition to walk down the aisle blessing people, especially children, as he did so. He was surrounded by photographers. If you were on the aisle you could have your photograph taken with the Holy Father.

The security guards did an excellent job of crowd control. They insisted people stay in their seats until the end of the audience.

I joked that this is why I didn't attend rock concerts. I've never cared for the pushing and shoving. The hysteria of being near a celebrity has never affected me.....Until that day.

Pope John Paul walked down the aisle shaking people's hands, holding their children, and touching religious articles. People were clutching the air in attempts to touch the pope. I saw him coming closer to me. I started hyperventilating, grabbing a friend's arm and shouting 'There he is! There he is!'

Suddenly, John Paul II was right in front of me! He turned, smiled, and touching my forehead, made the sign of the cross. I had been blessed by the hands of John Paul! He quickly moved on down the aisle.

To say I swooned would miss the emotional mark. I was in spiritual ecstasy! I turned to my pastor and friends delirious with happiness.

The next day I went with my friends to visit the photography stores that surround St. Peter's Basilica. The photographers that accompanied the pope would print the photos for purchase. Other members of my group had wonderful photos of their encounter with John Paul II. There were none of me or my friend next to me.

It quickly became obvious that all the photographers had to change film at the exact same moment--At the moment when I received my blessing! I was in photos of people three people away from my location, on either side. There were none of me and John Paul II.

I was heart broken. Then my husband reminded me that I didn't need a photograph to remember the moment. He was right. It isn't an encounter that is in a frame on my desk. Its significance lives in my memory and my heart. A brief meeting with a gentle soul who saw my spiritual hunger. He reached out his hands and met my need.

My First Encounter With Pope John Paul II
As we remember the earthly life of Pope John Paul, I offer a reflection on my first meeting with the Bishop of Rome.