Local Family May See History Happen at the Vatican
The announcement caught many by surprise in the Catholic Church. Monday's resignation announcement by Pope Benedict is exciting news for a local couple planning to travel to the Vatican City in April.
To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.
Then come back here and refresh the page.
"I'm cradle to grave Catholic. I don't take it for granted. It's a gift," said Mark Kosinski. "It's a blessing in my life."
For Mark, the trip began as a way for he and his wife to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary.
"We didn't start the trip as a religious pilgrimage, but as we zeroed in on our dates, it started to feel more like that."
The owner of Rochester drapery, shade and curtain maker Drapery Industries is going to Rome. Headquarters of the Catholic Church. Faith is always a strong stitch in the fabric of his own life.
"We're very excited about being in Rome."
The Kosinskis invited Mark's mother-in-law and brother-in-law. He scored tickets to Easter Sunday mass at St. Peter's Basilica; tickets, which with Pope Benedict's pending resignation and the search for a new pontiff, now have even greater meaning.
"The hope is he might be installed by Easter Sunday, and we might get a chance to see our new Pope."
The Kosinski's attend Holy Trinity church in Webster. It was there, while attending mass Monday morning, that Mark first heard the news.
"My brother-in-law tapped me on the shoulder and said, 'did you hear?'"
Kosinski, like many in the Catholic faith, was surprised by the Pope's decision to resign. Still, he sees it as a positive step.
To his credit, he's recognized he has recognized that he is not able to carry out the duties to which he has been entrusted.
Kosinski says faith will guide the decision in choosing the Catholic church's next leader. He hopes the next Pope is chosen in time for his trip to the Vatican City.
"You feel like you're going to be there for something momentous."