Thousands of people are preparing for the historical Papal visit, especially those who will actually come face to face with the Pope, like a local family who will play a special role in the Mass.

Fifteen-year-old Elizabeth Kane, a sophomore at Stone Ridge High School in Bethesda, is abut to carry on a special tradition. "I'm nervous, but I'm also really excited. The biggest worry is that I could fall and that I could end up on YouTube, but hopefully I won't."

Twenty-nine years ago, when Pope John Paul II said Mass to hundreds of thousands on the National Mall, Elizabeth's aunt and uncle were chose to bring up the wine, accompanied by their parents, Eugene and Jane Kane.

Margaret, then a pig-tailed second grader, was supposed to carry the chalice. "I was kind of scared, and timid, but as soon as I saw him and he opened up his arms, it was like he was my uncle! I just went right into his arms."

"It was a magical experience to stand so close to a pope. You look into his eyes and see such unbelievable grace," said brother David Kane.

As for Elizabeth's experience, her dad John Kane said, "She's very excited about being able to participate in something we did 30 years ago and carry on the Kane legacy."

The family hopes the younger generation will appreciate it. "I just hope she soaks it in. I hopes she soaks it in and realizes what a special moment in her life this will be and it will be one of the highlights of her life."

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