From this latest trip into the tape vault, we find a segment of the nightly public affairs series Carolina Journal where Executive Producer Tom Fowler highlights coverage of Pope John Paul II’s visit to South Carolina on September 11, 1987. The event was occasioned by the Pope’s Apostolic Journey to the United States of America and Canada to promote unity and the invitation to visit Columbia, SC was supported by the Charleston Diocese and Dr. James Holderman, then President of the College of Charleston. The pope's visit was the first and only time a pope has come to South Carolina, and, under heightened security, an estimated 100,000 people witnessed his visit. As regards media coverage, the pope’s stop in the state was a national and international press event.
We follow the pope as he arrived at the airport on Shepherd I and made his way to the historic St. Peter’s Catholic Church, now known as the Basilica of Saint Peter, in Columbia, SC. There John Paul II was warmly welcomed by parishioners, guests, and dignitaries including Cardinal Joseph Bernardin who was born in Columbia, SC. Pope John Paul II’s comments appear in Vatican transcripts noted in the Side Notes below.
Afterwards, John Paul II hopped aboard the Pope Mobile and made his way to the USC Horseshoe where he spoke to about 5,000 cheering students. John Paul II spoke encouragingly to them and noted that it was great to be young and to be attending the University of South Carolina! Do you recognize any of the faces in the crowds of students?
Following a private meeting, John Paul II went to Williams Brice Stadium where he delivered a homily on reconciliation and unity to about 60,000 attendees at the interchurch event. At the conclusion of the service, the pope gave each child in the choir a special blessing as they filed past him and out of the venue. John Paul II returned to the airport where he had a brief meeting with Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter and took off again in Shepherd I for his next destination.
Side Notes
- Pope John Paul II comments at St. Peter's Church. Official Vatican transcript.
- Comments on meeting with the students and staff at the University of South Carolina. Official Vatican transcript.
- Transcript of Pope John Paul II's comments and homily at Williams Brice Stadium. Official Vatican transcript.
- St. Peter’s Catholic Church recently underwent renovations that preserved the landmark’s history.
- Cardinal Joseph Bernardin - South Carolina Hall of Fame.
- 25 Years after his death, Cardinal Bernardin's voice and presence still missed.
- The Perfect Definition of a Priest - Legacy of Msgr. Leigh A. Lehocky that includes not only the revitalization of St. Peter's Church, parochial school, and parish life center named for one of St. Peter’s native sons, Cardinal Joseph Bernardin, but a vibrant downtown parish made up of 1,000 parishioners from 46 ZIP codes around the Midlands.
