One block over from the massive shrine of the Immaculate conception
in DC is a hidden gem. If you have ever visited the John Paul II Museum you would probably agree it is a favorite stop. Whenever I’m able to prayerfully visit the lobbies of interactive displays, papal paraphernalia, and gorgeous chapels commemorating this beloved pope, I am deeply moved by his faithful witness to the world. I particularly enjoy the room dedicated to all the men and women he raised to sainthood over the course of his pontificate - 482, more than the 300 or so canonizations in the previous 600 years! He tells us that living a saintly life is simply following our Lord closely. "Holiness has emerged more clearly as the dimension which expresses best the mystery of the Church. Holiness, a message that convinces without the need for words, is the living reflection of the face of Christ" (Novo Millennio Ineunte n. 7).
In 2001, for the Jubilee year and closing of the holy door, I was able to attend an audience with John Paul II. To all the thousands of pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s square on a cold January morning, he challenged us all to be joyful and courageous witnesses of Christ to the world. With fiery passion in his voice, he quoted St Catherine, “if you are what you should be, you will set the world ablaze!” This grabbed my heart as I looked out over the crowd and saw how his own priesthood had inspired a renaissance in the Church!
In 2003, during the first semester of my seminary studies in Rome, I was asked to serve the papal Midnight Mass in St Peter’s. This came as a shock and great honor! Beginning the rehearsal practice in the basilica, I was tapped carry the thurifer, allowing me to closely accompany the pope. I’ll never forget looking into his eyes and experiencing the prayerful peace that exuded from him and enveloped us all. At that time, he had used a wheelchair for these longer masses. In order to be seen by the crowds, a raised mobile platform was used. Traditionally after the Mass the procession takes a detour to the nativity scene in order to place the baby Jesus in the crib, incensed by the pope. The monsignor was nervous about the logistics of hot charcoals and wheelchair scenario. As I knelt to offer the incense, the pope’s knees were up to my stomach and I held the thurible over his lap. In those close quarters, the perspiring MC leaned over and warned me, “if you drop those coals, I will kill you!” This didn’t make the already tense situation any better for me. Without skipping a beat, the pope put his hand out towards mine and with a chuckle said, “don’t worry, we’ve got this, Merry Christmas”. A man of peace, practicality and attention to the needs of those around him. What a role model!
Over the course of the next year and a half, we all witnessed the steady decline of this great man. I tried to make it a point to attend as many papal audiences and public appearances as possible. We all were aware that a bright light in our Church was quickly coming to the end of his course. One very emotional moment was a visit several of us made to Gemelli hospital when he entered for medical attention. From the courtyard we sang songs and cheered him on. He came to the window of his second story room and greeted us all with a frail voice saying, “the pope sees you and feels the warmth of your loving prayers.”
Towards the end of his earthly race, it was evident that his pastoral love for his flock was as strong as ever. In the Gospel, Christ tells us that “unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single grain. But if it dies, it produces many grains.” By the way he carried himself and united his struggles to the cross of our Lord his voluminous teachings on redemptive suffering were authentically lived out for us all to witness. On March 30, 2005, I attended the last public appearance he made for his Wednesday audience. The crowds were hushed as his small white figure settled behind the windowsill and the microphone was placed close to his mouth. No words were spoken, as he waved and paternally gestured to us all, intuitively knowing it would his final farewell. Wrestling to say at least some words, all that came out were strained grunts and groans. After decades of powerfully communicating the message of Jesus, words failed him. We understood and cried. He pounded his hand down in frustration and finally resignation. The words of scripture came to my mind, “it is finished”, pronounced by our Lord from the cross.
The end was inevitably close. For the next two days, silent candlelight vigils were spontaneously organized far below his apartments in the square to pray for him. On the second night, a crowd of about 2,000 had gathered, asking for grace and heavenly intercession for this monumental Vicar of Christ. During the fourth decade, a messenger came up to the cardinal leading the rosary and announced that “our beloved holy father had just passed to the eternal embrace of the Heavenly Father”. Simultaneously the lights in the papal apartment was turned off. He was finally granted rest. And we all cried as we began a new Rosary for his soul. Again, I knew the example of love and dedication he showed in his priesthood would stay with me forever. Over the next couple days pilgrims by the millions poured into Rome from all over the world. A great emptiness filled the streets of the Eternal City as the reality of losing the only Pope my generation had ever known settled in. All of the beauty of the Church came to life as liturgy and tradition celebrated the life, death and hope of resurrection in the days that followed. It filled me with awe to see the impact one man’s life of faith and fidelity to his call made on countless lives – from all walks of life and beliefs. God uses each of us as arteries and veins to pump the life blood of grace to the whole mystical body. How vital it is to carry that presence of our Lord to everything and everyone!
Fast forward to December 15, 2012, I was approaching the altar of St John Lateran in Rome for my priestly ordination. Nervous, sweaty palms, heart pounding… with each step awareness of the gravity of this sacred moment was settling over me. A lot was going through my mind, but one thing was as a prayer to John Paul II, asking for his intercession for a priestly heart like his after the example of Christ. Along with our Blessed Mother and all the saints, I could feel his comforting presence.
The very next day, as newly ordained priests, we choose where we would like to celebrate our first Mass. I knew it had to be on the altar of John Paul II in St Peters. It happened to coincide with the first communion of my niece and nephew. Processing across an empty St Peter’s Basilica from the sacristy to the beautiful altar at 7 am gave me chills. A flood of memories and inspiring thoughts poured into my mind and heart as I began my priestly journey over the remains of the saint that shaped so much of what I understand as a priest, shepherd, and missionary apostle. I think we all have so much to learn from the saints and to be inspired by their examples. In a unique way, I have found inspiration in his life to follow the adventure Christ has awaiting me in my life.