>>>Below are the words of Pope John Paul II as he became the Pope 32 years ago. On that quiet October afternoon, as I was home playing with my 7 month old son, the word came over TV of a new Pope. When they announced "Wojtyla" the newsmen had to scramble; who is this? The Cardinal from Poland became JP II and the whole world knows him, even today 5 years after his death. We thank God for the gift of John Paul the Great!
Praised be Jesus Christ!
Dear brothers and sisters,
We all remain heartbroken after the death of our beloved Pope John Paul I. Yet here, the Eminent Cardinals have called forth a new bishop of Rome. They've called him from a far country... far, but always close in the communion of the faith and in the Christian tradition. I was fearful at receiving this nomination, but I do so in the spirit of obedience to our Lord Jesus Christ and in total trust of his Mother, our Most Blessed Lady.
I don't know that I can explain myself well in your -- in our Italian tongue. But if I err, correct me! And so I present myself to you, to confess our common faith, our hope, our trust in the Mother of Christ and of the Church, so to begin again along this road of history and of the Church with the help of God and the help of men.
How poignant! I knew something of him because I am a Slavist, having studied that region well and visiting many of the countries there (albeit not Poland--but I can read and understand Polish and through knowing its people, know a good deal of its history and contemporary concerns). JPII, as Karl W, was an inspiring and brave cardinal who well earned the love and trust of the Polish people. He took stances and actions that challenged an autocratic, abusive, and vindictive regime. Ultimately, the people of Poland won, and JPII, as then cardinal, played a role in that.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the walk down Memory Lane.