It has been the experience of a lifetime for a Shreveporter who has been in Rome this week. My friend Carter "Joey" Boyd is a 2012 Loyola College Prep graduate and he's now a freshman at Notre Dame. You have to know God had a hand in the trip to learn that he planned the trip with some priests from the University back in November, never knowing the Pope would step down and he might get to watch history. I have known "Joey" (he now goes by Carter) since he was 4-years-old when he played soccer with my oldest son. They played together for many years. He would not like me to talk about him, because he's one of those great young people who does so much for others and wants no credit. I'm thrilled to know he prays for me and my family....somehow I think his prayers go to the front of the line! His Mom forwarded me this email message from him along with his photos:

"An amazing experience of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit moving through the people, the cardinals, the saints, and our new Pope. Inspiring to have the opportunity to pray at St. Peters during the entire experience. To be able to be a part of the blessing of Pope Francis was incredible before his blessing on the church. Love you all. Each of you were in my prayers throughout the experience,"

More From News Radio 710 KEEL