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Growing Excitement At Catholic University For Pope Francis Visit

WASHINGTON (WJZ) -- A ritual like a Catholic mass doesn't usually generate excitement, but then, not every mass has Pope Francis. We're just days away from the pope's historic visit to Washington, D.C.

Alex DeMetrick has more on the growing excitement at Catholic University.

The pope chose Catholic University to celebrate a mass next Wednesday, and people there are thrilled.

Students at Catholic University are still settling in to their fall semester. But unlike most Septembers, this year, there is a distraction--a big one--Pope Francis is coming there to celebrate mass.

"I got a ticket! I was like, 'Oh my goodness, I got a ticket,'" one student said.

"It's such a surreal feeling. All my friends and I have been talking about it for so long," said another student.

"There is such enthusiasm right now in this community, in the city, I should say, in the country for the pope's visit," said Cardinal Donald Wuerl, Washington Archdiocese.

Nicknamed the "Mass in the Grass," a massive stage is going up outside the basilica. Twenty-five thousand people will attend, including a number of students.

"I feel so humbled to have him in midst and in our presence on our campus," one student said.

Excitement extends beyond the campus. Visitors at the basilica have steadily increased, as Wednesday's visit by Pope Francis grows closer.

"Wonderful. It's going to be absolutely wonderful with blessings," said one woman.

"Very excited," said Beatrice Fereria. "I think he's a beacon of light in this church."

It's also brought a rush to the basilica's gift store, where Pope Francis memorabilia is flying off the shelves. A lot of it is going to family members who can't be there in person.

"I'm getting a rosary with Pope Francis' pectoral cross on it for my mother," said student Chris Pierno. "She wanted to be here, but she's in New York."

For university staff looking to turn the pope's visit into a teachable moment:

"We hope that his visit means more to students than just a normal celebrity passing through," said Amy Rowland, university staff.

"He's done some really radical things, which I think are really good for the church," said Owen Salyers, student. "And it's getting people thinking, which I think is also really good."

Next Wednesday is going to be a very long day. Twenty-five thousand people must be in place by 10 a.m. for a mass that does not begin until 4 p.m.

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