Today, 1 May 2011, the second Sunday of Easter, the Divine Mercy Sunday, the Universal Church is in a great jubilation because one of its most loved popes of the recent past is being beatified by his immediate successor Pope Benedict XVI, something that has never happend in the whole history of the Church, a pope beatifying his own predecessor.
Already by the dawn the Vatican square had turned into a vast sea of humanity. People from all parts of the world to pay their homage to this great man of the century almost like the fulfilment of a prophetic statement. "I have looked for you. Now you have come to me. And I thank you." These were the words addressed by John Paul II during his last days to the many thousands of young people who had filled the St. Peter’s square in those days.
At 10.37 a.m Pope Benedict XVI proclaimed John Paul II a blessed. During his 27 years of pontificate he took the Church far and wide. His objective was very clear right from the beginning of his pontificate, the same that he presented during his first solemn Mass in Saint Peter’s Square in the unforgettable words: “Do not be afraid! Open, open wide the doors to Christ!” What he asked of everyone, he was himself the first to do: society, culture, political and economic systems he opened everything up to Christ, turning back with the strength of a titan – a strength which came to him from God – a tide which appeared irreversible. By his witness of faith, love and apostolic courage, accompanied by great human charisma, this exemplary son of Poland helped believers throughout the world not to be afraid to be called Christian, to belong to the Church, to speak of the Gospel. In a word: "he helped us not to fear the truth, because truth is the guarantee of liberty" concluded Pope Benedict XVI his homily at the beatification ceremony.
My homage to you dear Karol Wojtyla,,,,,,you will ever live in our hearts!
