On Divine Mercy Sunday this year, Pope John Paul II was declared Blessed by Pope Benedict XVI. JPII has been such a positive influence upon the world by being the world’s spiritual father. He wasn’t just a father to those who were Catholic. Instead he worked tirelessly to help heal the divisions within the whole Body of Christ. Thanks to a high ranking Oklahoman over here, some of us Okie seminarians were able to get seats in the forward section. We were also lucky, because we sat about 5 yards from where JPII was shot in 1981. As we walked in at around 8:30 am, we talked to some of the people in the main section just over the barricades from us. They had gotten there at 5…p.m, the night before. There were so many people there, given. And also a given, the largest percentage were from Poland. I heard about some pilgrims that walked the entire way from Poland to Rome for the beatification. Just amazing dedication. The Mass and ceremony were absolutely beautiful. It did take about 3 hours, not including the waiting on either side of that. But every bit was worth it, and then some. The Popemobile stopped right near us. The Holy Father kissed a couple of babies. It was just great to see.
During the Mass, the relics are brought up. Most of the time they use bones. However, JPII’s presented relic was blood. While it’s not all together rare to have a blessed’s or saint’s blood, it isn’t the most common relic either. It was presented by a nun who had been stricken with Parkinson disease. She had prayed for the intercession of JPII and was completely healed. This is not something that you just get over. She carried the relic right up there. The other really amazing thing about that Mass was the music. I have included a youtube video here of the principle song: Aprite le porte a Cristo (Open the doors to Christ).
The recording cannot due any justice to it. St. Peter’s Square was filled with love for JPII and his dedicated life to Christ. We saw in him the One Who first saw us. The music flowed from the hearts of the people to echo the great moment in heaven as JPII was given the title of Blessed.
After it was over and we were trying to leave, we came up against a barricade that hadn’t been there when we came in. It was blocking our way out, ie: there was no exit. So we hoped the barricade with a Dominican, Franciscan, and a few high ranking Polish military officers. It was a good day.
ur way to Leuven, Belgium. There is an American seminary there; however, it will be shut down this summer due in large part to low numbers being sent there. To get there, we took a train to Milan and flew out early the next morning. Leuven is a nice town, but definitely it is a college town. While many of the building proclaim its Catholic history, Belgium, like much of Europe, is working through their secular stage. Near the school is the church of St. Damien of Molokai. His story is a powerful testimony to the Will of God, and what is asked of those strong enough. St Damien was a priest from Belgium who went to Hawaii as a missionary. While still nice in 1865, it wasn’t the paradise it seems to be today. When he heard about the plight of the people on Molokai (leprosy colony), he discerned to join them for they had no one to bring Christ to them. He lived with them; he cared for them; and he died of leprosy with them. He sacrificed his life, his comfort, and his entire self to be Christ for them and to bring Christ to them. 