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Westchester Residents Enjoy Pope Francis Visit

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, N.Y. -- Armonk resident Dr. Kathy Reilly Fallon still can't believe she got to catch a glimpse of Pope Francis Friday in Central Park.

Lori Rocco and Kathy Reilly Fallon in Central Park waiting for Pope Francis.

Lori Rocco and Kathy Reilly Fallon in Central Park waiting for Pope Francis.

Photo Credit: Dr. Kathy Reilly Fallon
Pope Francis and Cardinal Timothy Dolan wave to onlookers in Central Park.

Pope Francis and Cardinal Timothy Dolan wave to onlookers in Central Park.

Photo Credit: Dr. Kathy Reilly Fallon
Getting ready for Pope Francis' arrival in Central Park.

Getting ready for Pope Francis' arrival in Central Park.

Photo Credit: Dr. Kathy Reilly Fallon

Fallon was one of the lucky faithful who were in Central Park on Friday to see Pope Francis as he made his way through New York City.

While waiting for the Pope in Central Park with 80,000 people, Fallon said she saw a rainbow peek through the clouds, despite the fact that it wasn't raining.

"It was divine intervention," Dr. Fallon said. "It was a blessing from above. Everyone had their cameras pointed upward." 

Fallon said she was overwhelmed with a feeling of excitement being blessed and waved at by the Pope.

"I felt a sense of peace and love," Fallon said. "It was a 7-hour pilgrimage, but it was worth it. It was very exciting.

Pope Francis has been inspiring and uniting figure, Fallon said. She said he appreciated his message of being together as one.

"We need to live in a world of joy, love and hope," Fallon said. "He definitely inspired me. It was simply a priceless experience."

Armonk resident Lori Rocco was seeing Pope Francis for the first time, having seen Pope John Paul II twice. 

"You feel his presence before you get there," Rocco said. "It was so peaceful. It felt like everyone was on a spiritual journey."

Rocco who was there thinking of her father-in-law and grandmother, who recently passed away, said seeing the rainbow made her cry.

"I felt that was a sign for me," Rocco said. "They were looking down, I felt their love and presence. They came to me."

Bronxville resident Colette Connelly was also in Central Park. She said it was slightly disappointing since she didn't get a good spot to see Pope Francis.

"One minute he was there and the next minute he was gone," Connelly said. 

Connelly said it was still exciting to see Pope Francis and that it was a really nice day.

"It gave me a chance to reflect on being a good Christian," Connelly said. "He's just a regular guy who tries to be as Christian as can be. He cares about the poor and unfortunate." 

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