Pope John Paul II

The chant, "Santo Subito", (Sainthood Soon) at the funeral of Pope John Paul II five years ago took a step toward fulfillment yesterday when Pope Benedict XVI announced that our beloved "JP II" would be beatified on May 1st. Evidently this is one of the fastest moves toward beatification in our lifetime, and in the Church's history. St. Francis of Assisi was canonized only two years after his death, and others whose sanctity was apparent as well, before the current stringent process began. Popular acclaim used to create bishops and saints, and in the case of Pope John Paul, this might have been a factor in this speedy beatification. His travels, his prolific writings, his bubbly personalty, his deep holiness endeared him to the world and flowed from a heart that loved God and Neighbor with all its strength and power. We are privileged to have seen with our own eyes what it takes to reach sanctity. In attempting to answer the call to holiness, reflecting on this life, still so vivid in our memories, we have an example to emulate. Thousands will gather at St. Peter's on May 1st, "May Day", St. Joseph the Worker, and, this year, "Mercy Sunday." It is also the day when Cardinal Sean O'Malley will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving to close the 75th anniversary celebration of Central Catholic. At least he is scheduled to do so, but perhaps he will be in Rome for the beatification. We await word from his office.
To follow the progress of the beatification and other Church and world events, I suggest the website, http://www.spiritdaily.com/. One could easily spend an hour a day with some fascinating reading. It provides a wealth of material for reflection and prayer. For today, let us give thanks for Pope John Paul II and the ripple effect his life has had and now his beatification will have on the world.
Bro. Rene