1 week Ago By By Abiola Odutola
For many, meeting the Pope is a once-in-a-lifetime experience reserved for dignitaries or devout Catholics. Read this article for free: Already have an account? As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed. Now, more than ever, we need your support.
Starting at $15.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website. or call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527.
Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community! To continue reading, please subscribe: *$1 will be added to your next bill. After your 4 weeks access is complete your rate will increase by $4.99 a X percent off the regular rate.
For many, meeting the Pope is a once-in-a-lifetime experience reserved for dignitaries or devout Catholics. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? For many, meeting the Pope is a once-in-a-lifetime experience reserved for dignitaries or devout Catholics. But for Kirk Brugger, a Brandon resident and non-Catholic, a unique twist of fate led to a remarkable and humbling encounter eight years ago with Pope Francis, who died Monday.
Brugger was invited to the Vatican on June 4, 2017, where he joined Pope Francis for a private luncheon during a major Catholic Church celebration that brought together more than 250,000 people from across the globe. “I was invited by an Anglican priest from Alberta who knew another Anglican priest from Africa. And it was that African priest who was a friend of Pope Francis.
He asked if I could attend a lunch and the request was granted,” Brugger told the Sun. Brugger said when he actually received the invitation, he was sure it was a gag. “I thought I was being punked.
” But what started as an unlikely invitation became a cherished memory. Brugger recalls a particularly humorous moment during the lunch, which took place in one of the Vatican’s grand reception halls. “I was at this private luncheon, and two archbishops I’d become friends with came over, put their arms around me and said, ‘Hey dude, take a look around.
You’re like one of three people in here who’s not Catholic!’” Brugger laughed. “They got a real kick out of it.” Despite his non-Catholic background, Brugger says he was deeply moved by Pope Francis’ presence and message.
“He’s so down to earth,” Brugger said. “He truly cares about people and making the world a better place. It wasn’t about religion in that moment — it was about humanity.
” Brugger was struck not only by Pope Francis’ words, but by how he lived them. “He doesn’t live in the grand Vatican palace,” he explained. “He chose a modest apartment with just the essentials.
That kind of humility says something.” During the luncheon, Pope Francis made a point of personally connecting with everyone in attendance, something Brugger said made a lasting impression. “He walked around and visited everyone.
Talked to them one-on-one like they were old friends. It was incredible. He treated everyone with the same kindness and warmth.
” A Christian himself, Brugger said that while he isn’t Catholic, he found Pope Francis’ example of leadership through humility and compassion to be universally inspiring. “He lived what he preached,” Brugger said. “You could see it in everything he did.
” » [email protected] » X: @AbiolaOdutola Advertisement.
