Blessed John Paul II to be Canonized

Despite passing in 2005, Pope John Paul II has not stopped working for all of God's people.  The second miracle needed to advance his cause for canonization was approved by Vatican officials.

A Costa Rican woman was healed of a severe brain injury after the intercession of Blessed John Paul II was invoked on the day he was being beatified!  Amazing right!?

Pope John Paul II was always known to be a man of hard work.  Even while suffering from Parkinson's disease and other ailments, he did not step down and instead, continued to work as Pontiff.  He was such an inspiration that many began to wonder if Pope Benedict XVI would imitate him.  However, everyone is different and Pope Benedict XVI felt called to a monastery life so he is still working for the Church as well.

Some are complaining that the process for canonization is being "rushed;" however this is not so.  The miracles are there, the Vatican and the world are aware of this holy man, so the witness is there to his virtuous life.  After his death, crowds chanted 'santo subito' or saint now!  If this is not an indication of how his holiness touched the lives of billions, then I don't know what is.

This is an exciting moment for the Church.  A lot has changed since the passing of John Paul II the Great.  During his pontificate he battled Communism and an introverted form of relativism; however, Communism is weaker now and relativism is more vocal and causing great harm in societies around the globe.

At least we have Pope John Paul II interceding in Heaven for all of us.

His canonization might take place on the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th.  Vatican II initiator, Blessed John XXIII is also rumored to be canonized with Blessed John Paul II.

 



Source:

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/07/02/sainthood-awaits-second-miracle-certified-for-beloved-pope-john-paul-ii/

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/07/02/world/europe/vatican-pope-john-sainthood/?hpt=hp_t3

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/07/02/pope-john-paul-saint/2482921/

http://www.catholic.org/saints/story.php?id=51570

Immaculate Conception

Today is December 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.  It is a Holy Day of Obligation where Catholics must attend Mass as if it were a Sunday.

On this day we celebrate the Immaculate Conception:  The Blessed Virgin Mary who was conceived without Original Sin or the Sin of Adam and Eve.

The Blessed Mother was not tarnished by this Sin because of the Redemptive act of Christ which transcends space and time.  Jesus died on the Cross for all: those in the past, present and future.

The effects of this act transcended time in a special way and spared the Blessed Mother who from the very beginning was chosen to be the bearer of the one who will crush the serpent's head.(Genesis 3:15)

We need to thank the genius of Franciscan Friar Duns Scotus who articulately formulated this idea that eventually became Dogma.

The Dominican order with St. Thomas Aquinas had issue with this idea. Even St. Bonaventure, another Franciscan also has his disagreements. Nevertheless, Duns Scotus' idea was proven to be in line with Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition.



Jesus is the new Adam and Mary is the new Eve.  Together they restore Creation to the perfection that existed before the Fall of Adam and Eve.  The Blessed Virgin Mother Mary is very important to the Catholic Church.  She represents humanity and what we can become if we follow her Son Christ.

May Our Blessed Lady pray for us, guide us and teach us how to follow her Son.

Immaculate Mary, your praises we sing;
You reign now in splendor with Jesus our King.
Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!

In heaven, the blessed your glory proclaim;
On earth we, your children, invoke your sweet name.
Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!

We pray for the Church, our true Mother on earth,
And beg you to watch o'er the land of our birth.
Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!