Saturday, October 22, 2011

Blessed John Paul II



Today is the first celebration of the feast day of Blessed John Paul II since his beatification on Divine Mercy Sunday which fell on May 1st this year 2011.  October 22nd was chosen as the day for Pope Benedict XVI's predecessor because it was the day he was inaugurated to the Papacy in 1978. What a great day to pray and reflect on the holiness and life of this great man: Pope John Paul II the Great!   He was an inspiration to all.  Even in his suffering he preached Christ crucified.

During his last appearance he struggled to speak but could not.  It was heart breaking to see this great man who was so articulate and so charismatic not be able to speak one word.   However, he spoke in that moment louder than in any other.  He showed us Christ suffering.  Without the suffering of Christ we would not have redemption nor salvation.  There would be no such thing as Christianity.  Blessed John Paul II reminded us of this.  He also showed that the elderly, disabled, suffering and all those who are seen as weak and useless can contribute to society.  As 1 Corinthians 1:27 says, "God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong."  


October 7, 1995  Mass at Central Park, NYC

Thank you Holy Father for traveling the world to spread the Gospel of Hope.  Thank you for starting World Youth Day which keeps the fire of the Holy Spirit going among the newer generations.  Thank you for reminding us never to fear.  Pray for us Holy Father Blessed John Paul II the Great.  


O Holy Trinity,
we thank you for having given to the Church
Pope John Paul II,
and for having made him shine with your fatherly tenderness,
the glory of the Cross of Christ and the splendor of the Spirit of love

He, trusting completely in your infinite mercy
and in the maternal intercession of Mary, has shown himself
in the likeness of Jesus the Good Shepherd
and has pointed out to us holiness
as the path to reach eternal communion with You.

Grant us, through his intercession,
according to your will, the grace that we implore,
in the hope that he will soon be numbered among your saints.
Amen.

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