In memory of John Paul II
Yesterday was particularly memorable day because it was the day when Karol Wojtila was elected as Pope. Oct 16, 1978 the date that marked the history of the Church and the history of the modern world.
I was not present physically in 1978 in St. Peter's Square when John Paul II appeared for the first time in the balcony of the Basilica, but yesterday I was physically there! 27 years ago I did not hear with my own ears the voice of the newly elected pontiff, but yesterday I heard the new pontiff with my own ears recalling the blessed day Oct.16.
Pope Benedict spoke of John Paull II and his special love for Mary, the Eucharist and his missionary life. The few words uttered by Pope Benedict, referring to the person of JPII were enough to effect a thunderous applause filling all the corners and walls of the whole square.
What a joy to have been present there yesterday to celebrate with the countless of thousnads of pilgrims coming from all over the world. I had the feeling that I received a double blessing -coming from that famous "window"- one from Pope Benedict and the other from our beloved John Paul II. I share these blessings to all of you!
I am posting here a personal message of JPII, given to the pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square on Oct.12, 2003 before reciting the angelus:
"Dear Brothers and Sisters!
1. Next Thursday, October 16, will be the 25th year of my pontificate. At 6:00 p.m. I will celebrate a solemn Mass of thanksgiving in St. Peter’s Square. I now thank all those who will be united with me in prayer, in gratitude to God for his constant and provident assistance.
2. I remember those days of October 1978. I recall, in a special way today, the first Angelus that I recited from this window on October 22. In the mystery of the Incarnation, which this prayer helps us to contemplate, I then tried to “embrace the whole future of the pontificate, of the People of God, and of the whole human family” — as I said — “the family has its beginning in the will of the Father, but is always conceived under the heart of the Mother” (“Insegnamenti,” I, 1978, 43).
3. Now, while I recall the past with gratitude, I look upon young people with whom I established, from the beginning of my Petrine ministry, a preferential dialogue. I remember that, at the end of that first Angelus, I added a special greeting to them, saying: “You are the future of the world, you are the hope of the Church, you are my hope.”
I must acknowledge that the response of young people has been truly encouraging. Today I want to thank them for having always been close to me during these years and I want them to know that I continue to count on them.
I entrust them to you, O Mary, who are the perennial youth of the Church. Help them to be prepared and disposed to do the will of God, to build with generosity a more just and fraternal world. "
[Translation by ZENIT]
1. Next Thursday, October 16, will be the 25th year of my pontificate. At 6:00 p.m. I will celebrate a solemn Mass of thanksgiving in St. Peter’s Square. I now thank all those who will be united with me in prayer, in gratitude to God for his constant and provident assistance.
2. I remember those days of October 1978. I recall, in a special way today, the first Angelus that I recited from this window on October 22. In the mystery of the Incarnation, which this prayer helps us to contemplate, I then tried to “embrace the whole future of the pontificate, of the People of God, and of the whole human family” — as I said — “the family has its beginning in the will of the Father, but is always conceived under the heart of the Mother” (“Insegnamenti,” I, 1978, 43).
3. Now, while I recall the past with gratitude, I look upon young people with whom I established, from the beginning of my Petrine ministry, a preferential dialogue. I remember that, at the end of that first Angelus, I added a special greeting to them, saying: “You are the future of the world, you are the hope of the Church, you are my hope.”
I must acknowledge that the response of young people has been truly encouraging. Today I want to thank them for having always been close to me during these years and I want them to know that I continue to count on them.
I entrust them to you, O Mary, who are the perennial youth of the Church. Help them to be prepared and disposed to do the will of God, to build with generosity a more just and fraternal world. "
[Translation by ZENIT]
posted by glovy at 11:54 AM
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