Liveblogging Pope Benedict's Youth Rally Remotely

*** The Live feed by the USCCB is here: http://www.uspapalvisit.org/ ***

6:30PM - Sorry to say that I must cease liveblogging at this point, but do continue to watch the feed!

5:55PM - We're watching five youths read the short biography of American saints, and meet the Holy Father.

5:40PM - A wonderful line from Cardinal Egan: "Here before you, Holy Father, is the hope of the Church in America!"

5:31PM - I can't believe it. He walked all the way down the "catwalk" platform to shake hands!

5:30PM - I've lost track of how long they've been cheering. Something rediculous like 6-7 minutes?!

5:24PM - He's taken the stage. One of the happiest I've seen him. He hasn't sat down yet.

5:15PM - Waiting to leave, he rolled the window down and continues to greet the youth.

5:13PM - Before getting in the popemobile, the pope made a run for the barrier and said hi!

4:59PM - He's leaving down the center aisle now. Blessing children like crazy. Seeking them out sometimes.

4:54pm - The pope is addressing the assembled youth with disabilities. It is actually a planned speech, and not "off the cuff" as the USCCB commentator's surmised. His speech gains force because you can here in the background some of the children, and see their parents caring for them.

4:47PM - The archdiocesan deaf choir is singing along with a hymn for the Holy Father.

4:46PM - Pope Benedict is receiving gifts from children. Super cute. He's all smiles.

4:29PM - Oh, and I just have to mention that in this lengthy promo video I appear TWICE! :-D

4:22PM - They're rolling a video promo for the next in World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia. Contrary to what the commentators said - it's happening this summer (2008), not next summer.

4:20PM - Colleen Carroll Campbell has an excellent piece on what Catholic youth see in Pope Benedict, and what he expects of them. One of the best treatments I've read recently.

4:15PM - The commentators have been saying some helpful things. We're basically just waiting for the pope. I just read the pope's speech in advance - it's going to be great! Stay tuned to see if he adapts the text....

4:00PM - Here's an interesting move. They are playing a lengthy video about Saint Gianna Beretta Molla and her husband as an example of marriage. Pope Benedict has already spoke often about the importance of teaching young people about the full reality of marriage.

3:58PM - And that's it. She's gone. :-)

3:55PM - Back to familiar territory - Since You've Been Gone.

3:50PM - Kelly's taken the stage. Walk Away is her first song. Second one is a "more spiritual song" by the name of Up to the Mountain.

3:45PM - Kelly Clarkson is about to go on. I wonder what her selections will be?!

3:35PM - A few links:

• "Holy Father expected to address vocations in seminary in Yonkers" (CNA)
• "Warming up the crowd for the Pope" (OSV's Papal visit blog)
• "Grinding for God: Pope to get 'official papal skateboard' from youths" (CNS)

3:25PM - Three Graces have taken the stage. Opera, Pop and Broadway music. Nice combination.

3:15PM - Just caught the end of Fr. Stan Fortuna's set. I heard him perform a couple times at World Youth Day 2005 in Germany, and got to meet him. Cool dude. Here's one of his songs on YouTube.