September 2015: Graziella outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art with Cardinals from around the world before Pope John Francis’ mass on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway 

Graziella with Bishop Emilio from Italia

My once in a lifetime experience – being asked by the Cre8ive Group to assist with the visit of Pope John Francis to Philadelphia in September 2015!  I assisted as Site Manager at the Philadelphia Museum of Art which was transformed into the “Green Room” for over 2,000 international clergy (Deacons, Priests, Bishops and Cardinals) who gathered at the museum to dress into their vestments and prepare to participate in the much anticipated Holy Mass led by Pope Francis. I also helped with pre-production load-ins for Pope Francis’ visit to the Correctional Facility and the Philadelphia Airport.

The most historic moment occurred for me when I was asked to report to the VIP area of Independence Hall, and an hour later, the Pope mobile rode by me – two feet away.  The photos say it all. Thank you Fred and Neil Stein for including me in this historic moment of Philadelphia history.