It is not often that anyone, let alone a teacher from Mount Carmel, meets the Pope. Lorenzo Nunez, the freshman theology teacher and assistant freshman football coach, had the “wonderful” opportunity on March 30 to meet Pope Francis.

Nuñez and his wife, who were on their honeymoon in Rome during spring break, had the rare opportunity to receive a papal blessing from the Pope.

Nuñez had emailed the Vatican  before his marriage earlier this year, requesting the blessing. Nuñez and his wife, who were one of the youngest couples present, joined 55 other newly wed couples who were granted an audience with Pope Francis.

Meeting 55 couples may be a draining activity for most, but Nuñez noticed that Pope Francis never got tired. “He smiled the entire time even when he was giving his message. He was just authentically joyful.”

When Nuñez finally came face to face with Pope Francis, he became slightly nervous, but was relaxed by the humility of the Pope. “It was almost like the Holy Spirit was there in that moment,” as Pope Francis shook his hand and said, “Beautiful Christians, be salt to the earth.”

Ironically, the passage the Pope referenced was the exact reading the Nunez’s had chosen for their wedding.  “There was no way he (Pope Francis) would have known that, but it was almost like it was meant to be.” Nuñez noted that salt is a basic necessity with a refreshing taste, and that is what he strives to be on earth.

Nuñez tries to fulfill that simple ideal in which believes so strongly, but agrees that sometimes it is not easy to do this. “It is difficult, especially teaching freshmen, but it is so rewarding to complete.”

Remembering his unique experience, Nunez pledges that he and his wife will continue to strive to be “Salt to the Earth” as challenged by Pope Francis.