ST. John Paul the II
One of the most remarkable saints of the 21st century is St. John Paul II. He once said: The future starts today, not tomorrow.
On the evening of May 18, 1920, Emilia Wojtyla gave birth to Karol Józef. His brother (Edmund, who was 14 years older) and his friends often called him Lolek. He was anexcellent student at his school and never hesitated to include Jews or other "outcasts". John Paul had an intimate relationship with Mother Mary on account of his mother's death in 1928 at the age of 45. He was only 8 years old. His father would often be found praying at 12 a.m., repeating 'thy will be done'. His brother, Edmund, worked long hours at a local hospital. At the age of only 26, Edmund contracted scarlet fever and died soon after. When he was in good health, he said: True prayer is waiting for God to come when and how he wants to. His dad continued to repeat 'thy will be done' and greatly impacted Lolek.
One of the most important turning points in Karol's life was when the Nazis invaded Poland without mercy. During the long bombardments, Karol would serve at the Holy Mass. Often times it would be only him with the priest. On requirement of the Nazis, Karol served 12 hr. shifts at a nearby quarry. Not only that, but Karol worked at a local pharmacy to support him and his father. On one occasion, he took his partner's shift so that he could be with his wife who had a baby. That means that Karol was at the quarry for 36 hrs.! He was often caught praying as he shoveled the coal. We can imagine how lonely he must have felt, when his father died on February 18, 1941.When the Nazis rounded up more men to be sent to concentration camps, Karol hid in the basement of the house he was staying at. He was saved and he later says that this confirmed his decision of becoming a priest.
4 years later the Germans retreated Poland blowing up bridges and they left. The tyranny was replace by the Soviet Union. Never the less, Karol Wojtyla was ordained on Nov. 1, 1946-All Saints Day! Little did he know that he would later become one of the greatest saints! He was especially known for being very involved with the youth of Poland. They called him Uncle or even Unc (Wujek in Polish). On long canoeing trips, he would celebrate mass on an overturned canoe with two paddles as a cross! When he was asked to be the bishop of Krakow, his friends jokingly said "Habemus Papan". Humbly, he accepted this new role and he fit it perfectly. Even with all the work that comes with being a bishop, Karol would spend hours (often 6-8) in prayer. Keeping involved with the youth was one of his specialties. Eventually, Karol was elected as a cardinal. The Soviet Union used to follow him everywhere. They would observe everything from who does his laundry to what he eats for dinner. On one occasion, St. Padre Pio (a priest originating from Pietrelcina, Italy) told Karol that he would one day become pope. He also added that his papacy would end with blood. For this reason, Karol was always very productive while he was pope. When Pope Paul VI died, (in August of 1978) all the cardinals where summoned to elect a new pope. In Oct. John Paul I became pope. They told him that he could not be called the first until a second 'John Paul' was elected. He firmly stated that soon after another would come. In just 33 days, his prophesy came true. His death led all of the cardinals back to Rome.
2 days later, Pope John Paul II was officially elected. Repeatedly, he said 'Be not afraid'! During his papacy, John Paul traveled 775,000 miles (which is 3x to the moon and back), he made 146 trips (104 of them where outside of Italy), visited 129 nations, and made 3000 speeches. On one trip with the Swiss Guards and some college students, a Swiss Guard said that they could not keep up with John Paul and his hiking skills. John Paul loved skiing and made many trips to pursue this. Because of his humility, John Paul would often leave in disguise so that his Swiss Guards could not follow him. In one disguise, John Paul met a young boy on a ski route. The boy asked if he was the pope. John Paul said 'yes', quietly. The boy then told his mom and he laughed at the boy's "imagination". John Paul then revealed to her his real identity. She, of course, was flabbergasted. Towards the end of his life, on March 31, John Paul suffered during one mass form a severe fever. When someone asked if he wished to leave, his answer was clear: 'no'. Afterwards, doctors found out that the fever was due to the collapse of his cardiovascular system. The doctors finalized that there was nothing to be done. His last words were: "Let me go to the house of my father." Around 7 p.m. he fell into a coma. 2 hrs. later, a priest celebrated mass and gave him drops of the Precious Blood. John Paul took his dying breath at 9:37 p.m.
The amazing legacy of this incredible saint is still carried today. His example helped me tremendously in my patience, joy, and love. I am forever touched by this great, but humble saint. Thank you, Jesus, for his life. Saint John Paul II, pray for us!
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