I so wanted to spend time remembering Pope John Paul yesterday on the 45th anniversary of his election, but it was one of those days where time was not generous with itself and, more importantly, I wanted to focus on the story of Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattsta Pizzaballa offering to take the place in Gaza of the children who were taken hostage by Hamas.
I only have a few minutes every Monday on “At Home”, at the end of the show, so could not in any remote way summarize a papacy that was almost 27 years in length. So just a few personal comments…and a few photos….
POPE JOHN PAUL II ELECTED 45 YEARS AGO
Forty-five years ago today, October 16, 1978, the man who would become central to my faith life – St. John Paul – was elected to the papacy! Habemus papam! This charismatic pontiff touched the lives of millions in an almost 27-year pontificate – people of great faith, no faith and just about every space in between. I was in Cairo, Egypt – another story for another day! – when he was elected and couldn’t wait to return to Rome to meet this Polish pope, our new Holy Father.
And meet him I did, many times, when I was invited to work at the Vatican in 1990! I not only met him, I used to bake chocolate chip cookies for this chocolate-loving pontiff! So I made cookies for a saint!
John Paul’s papacy – the 3rd longest in history – became a living catechism for me. His speeches and homilies, his poetry and prose, his papal documents, his interaction with young people at World Youth Days, his record-breaking trips to confirm people in their faith – all were part of that catechetical experience. One learning moment stands out: After the 1990 synod on the priesthood, I was asked to help translate into English Pope John Paul’s apostolic
exhortation “Pastores Dabo Vobis.” A huge and humbling honor and learning moment, especially about the priesthood. John Paul’s words always deepened my faith, helping me in many ways – I always hoped! – to deepen the faith of others.
I loved John Paul’s humanity, his courage in speaking the truth, his love for Mary, indeed all mankind, his simplicity, the clarity of his teaching, his universal call to holiness. And yes, his humor – that will have to be for another day! Even as a bishop, he left a lasting mark on the famous 20th century French theologian Yves Congar who wrote: “(Karol) Wojtyla made a remarkable impression. His personality dominates. Some kind of animation is present in this
person, a magnetic power, prophetic strength, full of peace and impossible to resist.”
Did anyone ever define St. John Paul better!
By the way, his feast day is October 22.
My appearance yesterday on “At Home with Jim and Joy”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tcXoiUd-UI
Joan's Rome 