On Saturday night a young couple in Malta were in the middle of their wedding celebrations when they decided to leave the party to cheer on Pope Francis as he drove past in a motorcade.
Still dressed in their wedding attire, Danielle Cuschieri and Matthew Borg joined the crowds that had gathered to catch sight of the pontiff as he drove through Mellieħa. The eagle-eyed pope spotted the newlyweds and asked the motorcade to slow down.
Pope Francis rolled down his window and took the groom's hand and shared a few words with him. Borg managed to kiss the pontiff's hand before security came to speed things along.
While the couple described it as an "unforgettable experience," the groom took to social media the day after his nuptials to share his excitement of the blessing that was captured by their wedding videographers, Ernest Vella and Zepp Gauci.
Borg shared with Malta Times that he and his new wife are "fulfilled and joyful," adding:
"The wedding venue was just beside the road and we decided to join the crowd waiting for the pope to drive by. We like him, he is spontaneous, down to earth and an activist for the poor and the most marginalized in society."
It's truly wonderful that Pope Francis gave the couple this most precious gift as they start married life together. Yet, the blessing comes as sage advice to all of us in life, married or not.
"Have the courage to be truly happy."
It's not always easy, especially when we feel the stresses of everyday life. However, if we make a conscious effort to find happiness, even in our darkest moments, we will surely be blessed with a happy and fulfilling life.
