Remembering John Paul the Great

Over the next few days, I will be writing about the many ways in which John Paul II changed my life. As the one year anniversary of his death approaches, April 2nd, it seems fitting to recall the may ways in which this Holy Man touched all of our lives.

John Paul the Great was instrumental in my re-conversion to the Faith. He, along with Our Lady, led my to a greater love of our Lord and His Church. I remember back to the year 2000, the Jubillee year, when I happen to be studying Roman history in Rome that winter/spring. The fact that it was the Jubillee year was more or less inconsequential. Yet, over the 4 months I spent in Rome, I slowly began to wander back to the Faith. Sure, the beautiful churches, the history of the Eternal City, the museums, and all those things were important for my return to the faith. However, I can honestly say that it was being in the presence of John Paul II during the Holy Thursday Chrism Mass that was a true catalyst for me. I was blessed, not lucky, to be seated right along the aisle of St. Peter's Basilica as the Holy Father processed to the altar. I can still remember the sight of the Holy Father coming down the main aisle on some sort of transport, since he was unable to walk himself. At first, I thought it was kind of odd, but as he approached, that initial feeling dissipated. All of a sudden, I had an immediate sense of being in the presence of holiness. This was something I had never experienced before. (I knew who the Holy Father was before my trip to Rome and in many ways I admired him, but this experience was something different.) As he approached the area where I was, I made sure to snap a few pictures, but as he got closer I stopped. I can remember him looking directly at me, as if he was looking through my soul. At that moment I just stopped what I was doing and just looked upon the Holy Father as he continued down the aisle. I immediately was filled with great admiration for him, for even though he was old and in many ways feeble, he was strong. His faith was his strength, and I could sense that by just looking at him.

In many ways, I grew up without seeing or sensing that in anyone I had come into contact with. Going to Church was boring for me, and I never felt there was anyone at my local parish who exhibited the same sort of outward faith that the Holy Father had done. John Paul the Great's faith was visible to me! This caused me to slowly reconsider the claims of the Church, which ultimately led to devoting my life to her. Thank you Holy Father!

Praise be to Jesus Christ!