The day little Zoe met the Pope
Zoe Cryan being blessed by Pope Francis and Brother Kevin Crowley at the Capuchin Day Centre in Dublin in August 2018.
The recent passing of Pope Francis prompted Siobhan Cryan from Castleplunkett to reflect fondly on the day her daughter Zoe got a special blessing from the Pontiff during his visit to Ireland in 2018.
The stars certainly aligned around that time seven years to ensure that Zoe, who has a diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy, would get to meet the head of the Catholic Church.
Siobhan’s husband David, who is now a Garda Inspector based in Roscommon Town, was a community sergeant back in 2018 and attached to Bridewell Garda Station in Dublin.
Through his community policing, David would have worked closely with Brother Kevin Crowley from the Capuchin Day Centre in the inner city.
As Siobhan explained, Brother Kevin would have known all about Zoe’s journey and he said lots of prayers for their daughter.
A few days out from the Pope coming to Ireland in 2018, Brother Kevin rang David wondering if the family would like the Pope to bless Zoe as the Capuchin Centre was part of the papal itinerary.
“It was amazing when David got the phone call from Brother Kevin. Following that, we got our official information about attending and Zoe and I went down to the Capuchin Centre on the day the Pope arrived.
“When the Pope came around, Brother Kevin asked the Pope to give Zoe a special blessing. He stopped and blessed her and so did Brother Kevin,” she recalled.
Siobhan said she felt overwhelmed by the whole occasion. “It was very surreal. I just remember feeling very emotional as he was blessing Zoe. He was right beside us and smiling. No words could come out of my mouth because I was just staring at him.
“When you think of all the officials and security around the Pope but yet he just had this presence of calm,” she outlined.
She was shocked on hearing of his passing. “I felt a sadness. His death definitely brought back that day with him.
“I think back how blessed and lucky Zoe was. The Pope choosing to visit the Capuchin Day Centre and David being stationed locally and the great relationship he had with Brother Kevin. It all fell into place.” Zoe is now 10 years of age and their son Dylan, who managed to get to meet the Pope as well that day, is now aged 12. The Cryan family still keep in touch with Brother Crowley, who has since retired and is living in Cork.
