While about 46,000 people crowded into Nationals Park for the historic Papal Mass, many Catholic University students who didn't have tickets to the outdoor event watched the service on the campus lawn.

The university had set up a big screen on the lawn to watch the live broadcast. Many eased into the idea of attending a historic Mass without the stricter dress code and social requirements of a cathedral.

"It thought my best shot for being able to go and see the Pope up close and came right here," student Brian McClellan said.

In addition to watching the Mass, students were staking out spots to catch a glimpse of the Holy Father when he returns to the Catholic University campus Thursday night. The Pope will meet with educators from more than 200 Catholic colleges and universities from across the nation. Later, He will attend an interfaith meeting at the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center.

The students laid out blankets, brought picnic lunches, and soaked up the gorgeous weather, along with the Holy Father's message.

"I really admire Benedict's theology in addition to him being the leader of the church, and I wasn't able to get tickets for the mass," said Monica Bond, a graduate student in philosphy at Catholic. "Hearing his speech about what our mission should be as a theologian and future theology teacher, future theology professor, that will be very special."

About 4,000 people are expected to crowd the lawn at 5:00 p.m. when the Pope returns to speak to Catholic educators.

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