we approach the date of the beatification of Pope John Paul II. These days I have been reminded of a story that happened shortly after his election as Roman Pontiff, in October 1978. Protestant
A lady asked a friend of mine:
- Where you were removed, the Catholics, the Pope Polish? It was a real surprise. In addition, I have been reading various reports and that, in his youth, was a stage actor, is a leading intellectual, author of numerous books and essays, poet, philosopher, studied Slavic Philology of Languages \u200b\u200bat the University, and has a deep spirituality , is an exemplary pastor, with great sympathy and leadership and, last but not least, has a baritone voice.
My friend replied: "Do not forget
, madam, that the Popes are chosen by the Holy Spirit with the help of the Cardinals.
And the lady said:
"Yes, but in this case, blew very hard the Holy Spirit, is not it?
Indeed, the personality of John Paul II contains a wealth of human, spiritual, in the apostolic, culturally, as witnessed by the writer George Weigel in his extensive biographical study on the Roman Pontiff, entitled "Witness of Hope "with 1311 pages.
Personally, one of my favorite texts of the Pope is his Encyclical Letter "The Gospel of Life" about the value and inviolability of human life. With what strength and determination to defend the human being from the moment of conception until natural death! Vigorously denounces crimes against unborn children, infanticide, euthanasia, etc. A marriage
horizons were opened by saying that the greatest good that a couple can take is to continue the work of the Creator, childbearing and forming a large family. He says, in a very beautiful, that every child is living and embodied the fruit of love between the spouses. "
In another vein, also charged with great power in communist Russia and its satellite countries of Eastern Europe there was a systematic violation of human rights and undermined the dignity of the human person. Then came the precipitous decline Berlin Wall in November 1989.
were totalitarian governments that could not sustain themselves. Subjugated citizens clamoring for freedom and democracy. And the socio-political change came with little bloodshed.
John Paul II, in the same way, led the Church into the Third Millennium discussing their challenges with this wonderful book, entitled: "Crossing the Threshold of Hope." Ominous voices against the great evils that would ensue in the new millennium, the Roman Pontiff encouraged us to trust in Divine Providence and that undoubtedly would be an excellent stage of re-Christianization in the five continents.
Finally, the admirable and exemplary way that led her illness, left us all an invaluable testimony of how you can deliver the pain and suffering very closely united to the Cross of Christ.
that I find unforgettable interview with him about his illness with courage and determination and said: "Some
wanted me to resign and retire, how convenient it would be for me! Not so, I will continue nailed to the Cross of Christ until the last day that God gives me life!
And is that John Paul II was aware that, with its chronic and irreversible disease, was another way to serve the Church. It was a testimony of great value to all Christians, but particularly for the sick.
The beatification of John Paul II fills us with happiness and joy. I believe that John Paul II has been a wonderful gift from God, not only for Catholics in our time, but for all humanity.
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