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How a Nun’s Words Led Me to the PopeIBy Sonny MelendrezQuality Service Since 1975!Prompt FREE EstimatesCall (830) 896-7080Jerry Eddy mobile: (830) 370-9772Licensed & Insured. / G. I. & Workers Comp• Tree Trimming• Tree Sculpting• Cedar Removal• Land Clearing• Cabling• Stump Removal• Stump Grinding• Bucket Trucks & Crane Available24 - Hour Emergency Servicewww.treeservicekerrvilletx.comLet Me Tell You A Storyn May 1987, after one of my motivational presentations at St. Francis Academy in San Antonio,Sister Jo casually mentioned that her order of nuns oversaw the Vatican. If I ever visited Rome, she might be able to arrange an audience with Pope John Paul II.That was all I needed to hear.The Pope was set to visit San Antonio in September, but visiting the Vatican had been a lifelong dream. That morning, I had read about Catholic schoolchildren in Seattle writing letters to the Pope, hoping he’d acknowledge them. Why not do the same in San Antonio?That evening, at a travel agency event, I met a major airline marketing director eager to promote a new direct route from New York to Rome. When he mentioned wanting a radio promotion, I seized the moment.“We’re thinking about asking San Antonio’s children to write letters to the Pope,” I said, “which I’d hand-deliver to the Vatican. We’d need a travel partner.”He loved it. Now, I just had to convince my program director at KTFM, Bill Thorman, to approve the on-air promotion. My solution? Invite him to join me.Done.Hundreds of letters poured in, supported by a letter from Archbishop Patrick Flores. But when we arrived at St. Peter’s Square, no one knew about our mission. A nun in the gift shop overheard my frantic call and connected me with an American cardinal, who promised to help.The next day, we received tickets marked Prima Fila—Front Row.For two hours, in the Prefecture of the Papal Household, we sat 20 feet from His Holiness as he spoke in seven languages. We watched a Hopi chief, a chorus of Polish nuns, and Mexican musicians pay tribute.It felt like the entire world had gathered in faith.Then, the unimaginable happened— the Pope made his way down the front row, greeting each of us personally. When my turn came, I took the opportunity to tell him about the children’s letters I had brought.Months later, when he visited our city, I was honored to serve as emcee at his appearance at the Guadalupe Plaza on the West Side.I’ve always believed that nothing in life happens by accident and that the universe (God) plays a hand in what we set out to accomplish with good intentions. There is no doubt in my mind that my experience was “arranged” with this pope of popes.After all, I’d been given sign, delivered by a nun named Jo.Sonny Melendrezis an award-winningmotivational speaker,Hall of Fame radio/TV host and author,based in San Antonio.For more of his enthusiastic brand of inspiration and speaking information, visit www.SonnyMelendrez.com and listen to his podcast.IF IT BUGS YOU... IT BUGS APPLE!!!EST. 1984 Honesty & DependabilityYES! ORGANIC SERVICES NO EXTRA CHARGE!NO! CONTRACTSEndorsed by DAVE RAMSEYTry Our Wallet Friendly Organic Pest Control ServiceQuotes by Phone(210) 695-8946Family Owned & Operatedwww.ApplePestControl.comLooking For Moms & Dads To RecognizeHBy Staffever wanted to let your parents know how much you appreciate them? Well, why not make it public and show them how much you care? We are giving you the perfect opportunity to do so.Highlights Publications is doing a special section to honor Moms in the May edition and a special section to honor Dads in the June edition. It will be a great keepsake for you and for them. They will be totally surprised and it will make a great gift from the heart. Tell us why your mom or dad is special to you and keep at 150 to 250 words max.Is it because of what they did and/or still do for you? Or how they helped you become the person you are today? We willighlights Publications wants to recognize mothers and fathers of all ages. How many of you haveApril 2025www.heloteshighlights.com 5highlight as many submissions as possible. We will be selecting one mother and one father to receive a $50. Please send your submissions with contact information and photo via email to contest@highlightspub. com. Deadline for Mother’s Day articles is April 9 and deadline for Father’s Day articles is May 6, 2025.