Saint Pope John Paul II Photo Gallery
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- Construction workers collaborate over extensive blue prints for the altar and stage built for the pope’s visit.
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- An altar was built in preparation for Saint Pope John Paul II’s visit to Living History Farms. Crews constructed an 80 foot platform and special access roads were created as well as miles of electric cable were laid specifically for the pope’s visit.
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- Hundreds of red, yellow, and orange flowers were delivered to Living History Farms to decorate the altar the Pope would stand on.
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- James C. Ross, former pottery instructor at Dowling High School in West Des Moines, presents a plate and chalice to Bishop Maurice J. Dingman of the Des Moines Diocese which will be used to serve communion by the pope.
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- Lines of buses park on highways I-35 and I-80 as exits were closed for hundreds of thousands of visitors to make the pilgrimage to Living History Farms.
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- Nearly 350,000 people traveled from across the country to Des Moines, Iowa to see the pope speak at Living History Farms. Families and friends began gathering at the Farms in the cold hours of the morning to await the pope’s arrival.
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- A group of visitors huddles under a blanket to keep warm while waiting for the pope’s arrival.
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- A visitor uses binoculars to take in the massive crowd waiting for the pope’s arrival.
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- A couple leans on each other for support during the long wait for the pope’s arrival to Living History Farms.
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- A family peruses the official papal visit program while awaiting the pope’s arrival.
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- Eleven year old Dorota Leokadia Rokitnicki awaits the pope’s arrival. Dorota, dressed in an authentic Polish vest, was selected to present a bouquet of flowers to Saint Pope John Paul II. When asked why she likes Pope John Paul II, Dorota replied “because he is Polish”.
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- Upon arriving at Living History Farms via a Marine helicopter, Saint Pope John Paul II was greeted by then-mayor of Urbandale, E.J. Giovannetti, Reverend Maurice Shulter, Joseph Hayes and his family, and Dorota Rokitnicki.
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- Gift bearers present fruits of the harvest to Saint Pope John Paul II. Joseph Hays and his family (not pictured) presented the cup, bread, and wine to be distributed in communion by the pope.
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- Saint Pope John II delivers a homily and speaks on gratitude, conservation, and generosity of the land.
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- Father John Buscemi of the Diocese of Madison created a beautiful symbol to celebrate Saint Pope John Paul II’s visit to Iowa. Four ‘fields’ surround a cross and represent four seasons as well as furrowed soil and seeds. A group of quilters from Cross Plains, Lodi, Waunakee, and Madison, Wisconsin dedicated their time and precision to the making of a large banner that would hang on the altar.
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- Saint Pope John Paul II walks through the crowd of people at Living History Farms.
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- After the celebration of mass, Saint Pope John Paul II waves from the steps of a Marine helicopter before his departure.
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- Saint Pope John Paul II waves goodbye to the nearly 350,000 people who traveled to Living History Farms to see the Holy Father.
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