Immaculate Heart of Mary

FAITH Catholic has provided Special Universal Prayers on racism as well as the pandemic.

April 11, 2021
Sunday of Divine Mercy 

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

In 2014 in Rome, Pope Francis presided over the Canonization of Pope John Paul II along with Pope John XXIII,   Many recall that when Pope John Paul II died in 2005, after over twenty-six years as pope, countless faithful asked for his immediate canonization.  Already during his lifetime, he was widely recognized for his heroic sanctity.  Those of a certain age recall the Pontificate of Pope John XXIII and the historic Vatican II Council he called but was unable to finish before his death from stomach cancer in June of 1963.  The Church, exercising its full authority, proclaimed these two popes of the twentieth century as witnesses of holiness for the men and women of our day. 

I feel especially attached to Saint John Paul II.  I was in Rome at the end of September in 1978. On the Feast of the Transfiguration, August 6, Pope Paul VI had died after fifteen years as pope.  He had presided over the conclusion of the Second Vatican Council and had worked in the years afterwards to set in place its implementation.  Cardinal Albino Luciani from Venice was elected on August 26 and took the name John Paul I.  He was pope for only thirty-three days, dying in his sleep on September 29.  I remember viewing his body in the Vatican Palace and then later in St. Peter’s Basilica.  I was also present at his funeral in St. Peter’s Square.  It rained.  The Italians described him as “Il Papa del Sorriso” (The Smiling Pope).  I was also in St. Peter’s Square on the evening of October 16, 1978 when Cardinal Karol Wojtyla was elected pope and the announcement was made from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica.  He took the name John Paul II.  His first words were:  “Do not be afraid!”  These are the words of the Risen Christ.  These words indicated the confidence in the Faith, that he would inspire over the years with millions of people.

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"For the needy will never be forgotten, nor will the hope of the afflicted ever fade."  Psalm 9:19

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