Throughout the years people all over the worlds have seen the rise and fall of leaders. Many men who promised to bring change, but failed, or to defend their countries, but didn’t live up to the standards of the world. And over the years the names of some of these leaders have made headlines or even in some textbooks, while others still leave this world to be forgotten.
And then there are those, who humbly come to serve. Those men and women who don’t want to make their lives about them, but instead about spreading the message of love and hope to the kings and queens and the poorest of the poor. These are the people that leave an impression in our hearts that will never leave; left to be remembered forever.
Today, the late Pope John Paul II, or shall I say Blessed Pope John Paul II was beatified in a beautiful mass in St. Peter’s Square in front of close to 2 million people.
As a Catholic myself, I can speak for Catholics all over the world when I say that although I never personally spoke to Blessed Pope John Paul, he was like a father figure to me. When he died in 2005, I felt like I lost a member of my family. He truly revolutionized the world, just not for Catholics, but for those who do not believe as well.
My heart is filled with joy to know that my beloved Pope John Paul is one step closer to being canonized as an “official” Saint. In fact for those who may not know, the process of beatification is supposed to start at least five years after the person being considered dies. But current pope, Pope Benedict XVI, did away with that rule after Blessed Pope John Paul died. In fact, his process for beatification began just weeks after his death. In order to begin this process, a certain number of miracles have to be proven. In this particular case, several were, including a Nun, Sister Samone- Pierre, who was miraculously cured of Parkinson’s disease. The same illness Blessed Pope John Paul suffered from.
The wonderful, heaven-sent miracles that are attributed to Blessed Pope John Paul’s intercession, only scratch the surface of how God has used this man to truly make a difference in this world for the better. Our world would truly not be the same, if it were not for this Godly man with a love for Jesus and Our Blessed Mother Mary.
Blessed Pope John Paul II exemplified the qualities of a true leader. He did what no president, dictator, king or queen could ever do. His sole mission was to love. And love can be a very powerful tool to spread peace, especially if its God’s love, through His holy word, that you are trying to spread.
As pope he visited 129 countries, to try and help those in need. He was the first practicing pope ever to visit Mexico, the White House, and the UK where he met with Queen Elizabeth II. He went to impoverished countries like India, Haiti, El Salvador and Uganda. He met the poorest of the poor with love and encouraged them to grow in their faith with God and pushed the wealthy to create a better quality of life for those less fortunate.
He brought the message of unity to everyone around the world. He urged Christians, Jews and Muslims to work together for peace. But he didn’t just talk the walk, he actually lived out his message. In 2000 he became the first Pope to visit Jerusalem’s Western Wall and referred to the Jewish people as the Christian people’s “Older brothers in faith.”
He was also credited by many for the falling of the Berlin Wall, urging leaders to break the oppression of those suffering under Communism.
Perhaps one of the greatest qualities of Blessed Pope John Paul II was his love for the youth. In a time when many young people were leaving the church and being “forgotten,” Blessed Pope John Paul II made it a point to encourage the youth to use their gifts and talents to spread Jesus Christ’s Good News to the world for the next generation, what he called the New Evangelization. He began what is called World Youth Day, which still goes on today. The first youth day took place in 1984. They happen all over the world every four years. The next one will be this upcoming August in Madrid, Spain. During this time millions of young Catholics from around the world gather to pray, sing and Praise the Lord Jesus Christ through Eucharistic adoration.
Not only did he display a love for the youth, but through his actions he preached forgiveness. In 1981 a Turkish man attempted to assassinate Blessed Pope John Paul II in St. Peters Square by shooting him three times. Blessed Pope John Paul nearly died, but by the grace of God and protection from above he survived. That same year he visited the man who tried to kill him, in his prison cell. When the man asked, “Why aren’t you dead?” Blessed Pope John Paul replied, “that His Blessed Mother Mary, Jesus Mother, protected him.” The assassination attempt had occurred on the Feast Day of Our Lady of Fatima (a day to honor the Mary, Jesus’ Mother). He knew She was there with him. The Turkish man told Blessed Pope John Paul II that he was afraid that Our Lady of Fatima would harm him for what he had tried to do to the Pope. But Blessed Pope John Paul II assured him to not be afraid, that the Blessed Mother loves everyone and would never hurt him. But what he did next would change the man’s life forever. Blessed Pope John Paul II told the man that he came to forgive him and then embraced him. Blessed Pope John Paul II held no anger towards the man who tried to kill him.
I don’t know of many so-called leaders that could hold this amount of love and forgiveness for someone who tried to hurt them.
Blessed Pope John Paul II exemplified the qualities, and was, a man of integrity, virtue, holiness, forgiveness, strength, courage and most of all, love. He led the Catholic Church with the firm understanding and love for Christ. And he led the world into a better understanding of what it means to be a true follower a Christ.
There will never be anyone like Blessed Pope John Paul II again, but he will continue to live on in our hearts. May we remember his love for all human life in every kind act we do and use him as an inspiration to grow closer to Christ and Our Blessed Mother Mary.
“Be not afraid!” Said Blessed Pope John Paul II. May we have the courage to live out love like this brave man of God did. And may future leaders religious or not, follow his example.
In the loving words of My Beloved Papa, “Totus Tuus Maria.”
No comments:
Post a Comment