Pope John Paul II to be canonized in October!

For the longest time those of the elder generation had one experiece I had never had.  They lived through the death of one pope and the election of another. 

For most of my years so far on this earth I knew only one pope, John Paul II, or as he became known to us at World Youth day (aka Popestock ) '93, JP2

He was a once in a lifetime, maybe even once in a century pope whose impact on the church will be felt far into the future. 

He had a special connection with people of all faiths and especialy with the Youth of the faith that stays with me to this day.  A connection of closeness and spiritual intimacy that belied the exaulted position he held in the church and in the world.  It is what made him special, not only in its uniqueness but also because it is the way it was supposed to be. 

Christ was love, a close personal love to not only his Apostles but also to all of those he encountered.  The position of his vicar, leading a flock of a billion, in many ways creates a distance between the Christ and the faithful.  Yet somehow this first non-Italian pope in centuries managed to bridge that gap in the hearts of the faithful.

I remeber being in Denver.  I forget the name of the stadium and forgot the name of the national park, choked with dust, where I passed out right after the final blessing.  But I do remember how I felt. 

As a young semminary student I had wondered what it would be like to be in the pressence of Christ in the flesh.  This human who I believe was also divine, this being who died for my sins, suffered a death on the cross, this being who was Love in a way that I could never hope to emmulate or even fully comprehend.  Christ, who so encompassed the center of who I am and what I believe.

I belive I know how it would feel.  I beliece this way because in Denver, sinuses clogged beyond relief, my heart was touched by the divine hand adorned with holiest of wounds.  I believe the real presence of Christ was present there among the faithful shivering and covered in dust. 

Now I know that Christ is present wherever two or more are gathered in his name.  But I feel, in my heart, there was something special, supernatural about the goings on in Denver, and I think it was because the Spirit was with JP2 in a special way. 

Some of you reading know what I mean.  Some of you think it was lack of sleep, fatigue or mass hysteria.  So be it.  I know what I felt andnit was life changing.  It was a gift from God through JP2.  That's good enough for me.

Now this popular pope and significant historical figure (few would argue his importance in taking down Communism) is to be cannonized in October. 

When he died, there was an upwelling of support for sainthood, indeed a cry went up from the faithful; Santo Subito!  Sainthood Quicly! 

The church listened and I am happy.

Even as I wipe tears of joy from my eyes.