Bishop Kelly students earlier this spring joined with tens of thousands of other Catholic school students in presenting a unique, yet meaningful and appropriate birthday gift to Pope Benedict who toured the United States last week.

Bishop Kelly students joined with other Catholic students in dedicating service work to the Holy Father, which, in the aggregate, totaled more than 1.75 million hours of service nationwide. The Pontiff was presented a “Gift of Service” during a private meeting last Wednesday in Washington, D.C. while touring the U.S.

More than 660 BK students joined together in Boise on March 7 in a day of service that included 32 projects at far-flung locations across Boise.

“If you put that into perspective 1.75 million hours is a huge amount of hours and a wonderful gift for the Pope. Service hours and time given to help others is a great way to acknowledge the Pope and the sacrifices he makes. “said Robert Wehde, principle

Students from the video production class videotaped the different projects that BK students did on service learning day. One video production student, Ben Schile, said “It’s a beautiful thing that we are to contribute to make the world better and that BK can be a part of it…”

The Pope’s six day visit was very productive and meaningful. He met with the President Bush. According to Associated Press the President said "It was just such a special moment. And it was a special moment to be able to visit with the Holy Father in the Oval Office." The Pope also blessed Ground Zero by meeting and praying with relatives of the victims of the World Trade Center.

The Pope made a visit to Yankee Stadium, giving a mass there on April 20th. The stadium was referred to as the sacred stadium during the mass. Throughout the Pope’s visit he has been treated like a celebrity with incredibly positive responses. The Pope’s visit has been very refreshing for all Catholic’s.