Vermilion group going to see Pope Francis

A group of Vermilion Parish residents are traveling with other Acadiana residents en route to see Pope Francis.
A group of 49 people, from throughout Acadiana, left on a charted bus Wednesday afternoon. The group traveled all night and are expected to be in Maryland later tonight.
Then on Friday, the group will be in Washington DC to attend National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for an 8:30 a.m. Mass with Pope Francis.
On Saturday, the bus will head to Philadelphia and they are expected to see the Pope when he gives a speech at the World Family Conference.
On Sunday, the group will attend a Mass with Pope Francis in Philadelphia.
The trip to see the Pope was not a last minute thing. The idea first occurred nine months ago between then associate pastor Matthew Bazarre of Holy Rosary Catholic Church of Kaplan.
Jamie Abshire, a Kaplan resident, began speaking with Fr. Bazarre about possibly going to see the Pope.
Abshire said he is thrilled to be attending the Mass on Saturday and Sunday.
“I think it is a blessing from God to be going to see Pope Francis,” said Abshire. “It is God’s will for everyone on the bus to go. It is part of God’s plan for us on our journey through life.”
Fr. Bazarre has never seen any Pope in person, so this will be a thrill for him. “It has taken a lot of prayers,” said Fr. Bazarre before he left.
When asked if he has any special privileges to get closer to the Pope because he is a priest, Fr. Bazarre was not sure. He will find out when he arrives.
The group is expected to be back Monday.