Four years ago today, on April 2, 2005, Pope John Paul II died after 26 and a half years as Pope — one of the longest and most event-filled pontificates in the history of the Church.
He showed that one could lead by faith instead of force, justice instead of injustice, humanity instead of inhumanity.
He had an unshakeable conviction that the message of his Founder was a wiser way to govern the world. As he said:
"When good overcomes evil, love prevails and where love prevails, there peace prevails."
His great message enobles the human spirit, challenging all to the greatness to which they are called .
He is gone - but his message is not. It never will. The people of this world will not let that flame die, for it is the flame of life itself. As he said:
"Peace is the outcome of a long and demanding battle which is only won when evil is defeated by good."
As he lay on his death bed, his final words to the world was:
"I am happy . . you should be."
Now I'm happy that Holy See hopes to raise John Paul II to the altars “as soon as possible” . In an interview with Vatican Radio, Cardinal Jose Saraiva Martins, prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints, said that like many people in the world, the Holy See hopes the beatification of John Paul II will occur “as soon as possible” but that the normal process would be followed.
During the solemn Mass celebrated for the 4th anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s death, Pope Benedict XVI encouraged young people to follow the example of his predecessor, who did not accept any compromise when the Truth was at stake.
Thank you Holy Father Benedict for remembering Pope John Paul II .
Let us faithfuly pray :
O Blessed Trinity
We thank You for having graced the Church
with Pope John Paul II
and for allowing the tenderness of your Fatherly care,
the glory of the cross of Christ,
and the splendor of the Holy Spirit,
to shine through him.
Trusting fully in Your infinite mercy
and in the maternal intercession of Mary,
he has given us a living image of Jesus the Good Shepherd,
and has shown us that holiness
is the necessary measure of ordinary Christian life
and is the way of achieving eternal communion with you.
Grant us, by his intercession, and according to Your will,
the graces we implore,
hoping that he will soon be numbered
among your saints.
Amen.
