The Rev. Joseph Luisi wrapped up last week's staff meeting early and with a sense of urgency: "I told them I didn't want to keep the president waiting."

Or something like that.

Luisi, pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Carnegie, was one of six official greeters when President Bush visited the region on a campaign swing April 19.

"I always wanted to use that line," he laughed.

Luisi was the lone man of the cloth among a group of well-connected business and political types who welcomed the president after Air Force One touched down at the Air Force Reserve 911th Airlift Wing in Moon. Bush was en route to a fund-raiser and rally for U.S. Sen. Arlen Spector, R-Pa., at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Downtown.

The uncommon honor came via Carolyn Astfalk, communications director for the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference in Harrisburg and a former member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. Astfalk was able to pull some strings for Luisi, as was one of his former high school classmates, Karen Renko-Ward, who works on the Bush campaign out of Greensburg.

Before Luisi even realized it, he was being screened by the Secret Service to meet Bush. Luisi admits that he was a bit awestruck and even mesmerized when he saw the plane land, but when his moment arrived, he was ready.

"I gave him a firm handshake and said, on behalf of our great clergy I'd like to welcome you to Pittsburgh," Luisi recalled saying. He then asked Bush, "Might I pray with you?"

Bush answered, "Father, a lot of people are praying for me now, and I appreciate that," and then instinctively nodded his head in prayer.

Though not Catholic, Bush has been vocal about his Christianity throughout his term. A priest for 21 years, Luisi has had the opportunity to travel to the Vatican twice, but said that that Monday was perhaps one of the most important days of his life.

"It was the epitome of patriotism, to be able to meet and pray with the president," Luisi said. "I've never been more proud to be a citizen of our country than I did at that moment."

He wasn't the only one feeling pride. Luisi's 83-year old father, who emigrated from Italy as a boy, got choked up when his son told him the news and then asked him, "Did you ever in your life think that one of your children would have a chance to shake hands and pray with the president of the United States?"

Luisi said he came back down to reality afterward, but would be retelling the tale to anyone who will listen.

"I suppose if I was married and had children, this would be a great story to them and the grandkids, but ..." he chuckled.