Anna and Stephen Competiello, residents of Plainview, had the unique opportunity to meet privately with His Holiness, Pope John Paul II at the papal residence, Castel Gandolfo. Their son, Louis S. Competiello, M.D, who had met with Pope John Paul II several times in the past, went on the trip to discuss business matters. Anna and Stephen went along to enjoy the experience.

Also on the trip were daughter Jo-Ann Competiello, daughter-in-law Nelza Rivera-Competiello, M.D, and granddaughter Sarah.

Although several issues were discussed with the Pope, it was an opportunity for Dr. Louis Competiello to present documents to the Pope regarding the new national Catholic organization The Catholic Voice of America. "The organization will be working closely with the United States Bishops to help propagate the Catholic faith in America at a time when Christianity, and especially Catholicism, is under attack by the media and entertainment industry," said Dr. Louis Competiello, who heads the organization. Finalization of the advisory board of this new organization was recently announced.

The spiritual director of The Catholic Voice of America is the Rev. Msgr. David Q. Liptak (Censor Librorum of the Archdiocese of Hartford). Other members of the advisory board include His Excellency, the Most Rev. John F Donoghue, Archbishop of Atlanta, His Excellency, the Most Rev. Sean P. O'Malley, Bishop of Fall River, MA the Rev, Father Frank A. Pavone, Director of Priests for Life, Peter A. Sonski, Jr., Director of Communications at The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC and Mario Bruschi of New York City, Director of the National Office of the Devotees of Padre Pio. In addition, the late Bishop James T. McHugh of Rockville Centre welcomed the organization with "Prayerful best wishes."

The Catholic Voice of America sends regular newsletters to all US Catholic Bishops dealing with different issues as they arise. Although this new organization is still in the beginning stages, Competiello believes that an organization of this type is long overdue. "It is unique that we are working with the bishops and side-by-side with the clergy," said Competiello.

The July 31, 2000 meeting was the most recent of four face-to-face meetings that Drs. Louis S. Competiello and Nelza Rivera-Competiello had with the Pope. As in past meetings, Dr. Competiello conversed with the Pope in both Polish and Italian. The two had their first meeting with Pope John Paul II in 1987.

"The high point of the meeting was for us to see the expression of joy on the face of the Holy Father when he embraced and kissed our daughter Sarah, after she repeated a phrase in Polish and Italian, which I rehearsed with her prior to the meeting, 'Holy Father, I love you'," said Dr. Competiello.

After Dr. Competiello graduated from Syosset High School, he completed his pre-medical education at Columbia University where he studied anthropology under Margaret Mead. He has co-authored articles for several medical publications and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine. Last fall, Dr. Competiello and Dr. Rivera-Competiello received a special papal blessing and recognition by the Vatican for their outstanding work as doctors of medicine. Dr. Competiello, along with his wife Dr. Nelza-Competiello, reside in Connecticut and maintain a second residence on Long Island.