‘Open the doors, rather open wide your doors for Christ!’ These were the first words spoken in his homily as Pope on October 22, 1978. Now, Pope John Paul II has been beatified and the world will be able to celebrate his feast day on October 22nd of every year! May 1st, Divine Mercy Sunday, a day that was filled with lots of emotions and joy seeing the image of Blessed John Paul II being unveiled and hearing millions cheer! Just hour prior to the Mass, I joined the many that had already lined up waiting to enter the square. I never imagined that I would get in a line to go to a mass 12 hours early but being one of the many in St. Peter's square was priceless. I brought the banner which represented the Kennedy Lancer family with me through the mess of the crowds..
At the start of the Mass, crowded with mainly Polish pilgrim, the emotions of many, including myself, was running in our minds. John Paul II, the Pope whom majority of us have grown to know, has now become ‘Blessed’. Not too many people know how much John Paul II radiated holiness. As Pope Benedict XVI said 'I felt his holiness when he was in my midst, he truly indeed was a rock, as Jesus wanted him to be... Holy Father continue to bless us from above'. Bl. John Paul II was indeed a rock of faith that not only moved thousands but also the youth! I was moved with joy and tears when the veil covering the image of Bl. John Paul II was removed. As I looked around where I was standing, people were cheering and some even crying with tears of joy. John Paul II taught us many things but the most important thing, I think, was how to be holy in a world of darkness.
On a day that was supposed to be filled rain and thunderstorms, the sun was out and we truly felt God pouring out his Divine Mercy to all those who came from all the parts of the world! Bl. John Paul II was indeed the People's Pope. As the mass proceeded, all that was on my mind was my wife, whom I left in Seattle, and all of the Kennedy Lancer Family which I had the privilege to bring all of their intentions with me to this occasion. I truly feel blessed to have represented my family, my school community, and the Archdiocese of Seattle. I hope that the pictures and videos have helped you experience this Beatification weekend celebrating John Paul II. I look forward in sharing with all of you more when I return on Wednesday. God Bless...
At the start of the Mass, crowded with mainly Polish pilgrim, the emotions of many, including myself, was running in our minds. John Paul II, the Pope whom majority of us have grown to know, has now become ‘Blessed’. Not too many people know how much John Paul II radiated holiness. As Pope Benedict XVI said 'I felt his holiness when he was in my midst, he truly indeed was a rock, as Jesus wanted him to be... Holy Father continue to bless us from above'. Bl. John Paul II was indeed a rock of faith that not only moved thousands but also the youth! I was moved with joy and tears when the veil covering the image of Bl. John Paul II was removed. As I looked around where I was standing, people were cheering and some even crying with tears of joy. John Paul II taught us many things but the most important thing, I think, was how to be holy in a world of darkness.
On a day that was supposed to be filled rain and thunderstorms, the sun was out and we truly felt God pouring out his Divine Mercy to all those who came from all the parts of the world! Bl. John Paul II was indeed the People's Pope. As the mass proceeded, all that was on my mind was my wife, whom I left in Seattle, and all of the Kennedy Lancer Family which I had the privilege to bring all of their intentions with me to this occasion. I truly feel blessed to have represented my family, my school community, and the Archdiocese of Seattle. I hope that the pictures and videos have helped you experience this Beatification weekend celebrating John Paul II. I look forward in sharing with all of you more when I return on Wednesday. God Bless...
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