Events to Mark Anniversary of John Paul II's Death

[cmt]

Zenit

Date: 2006-02-26

Benedict XVI to Be at Prayer Vigil and Mass

ROME, FEB. 25, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Pope John Paul II’s death will be commemorated in Rome with a prayer vigil and Mass to thank God for “the gift he signified for the Church and humanity.”

Cardinal Camillo Ruini, the Pope’s vicar for Rome, announced in a letter addressed to all parish priests, religious superiors and faithful of the Italian capital, that Benedict XVI will be present at both events held a year after John Paul II’s death.

The events, said the cardinal, will express “the intense and profound heartfelt sentiments of gratitude for our beloved Pontiff.”

On Sunday, April 2, at 9 p.m. in St. Peter’s Square, the rosary will be prayed to “relive the atmosphere of intense prayer that accompanied the passing of Pope John Paul II to his final encounter with the Lord.” The Polish-born Pope died April 2, 2005, at 9:37 p.m. local time.

“At the conclusion of this prayer, the Holy Father Benedict XVI will greet those present from the window of his study,” stated the letter.

On Monday, April 3, at 5:30 p.m. in St. Peter’s Basilica, Benedict XVI will preside over a Mass to pray for the repose of the soul of his predecessor.

The liturgical celebration is being held on this day, as the date of the anniversary coincides with a Sunday in Lent.

 

[beckers]

I can’t believe it’s been almost a year…So much has happened…Where has time gone?

 

[Jabronie]

beckers:

I can’t believe it’s been almost a year…So much has happened…Where has time gone?

So much has happened indeed. If someone would have told me a year ago that I’d be going to church every week, I would have said “What, did my girlfriend finally turn me Lutheran?” If someone would have said I’d be going to Catholic Church every week, I would have said, “What, did my girlfriend leave me and I met a Catholic girl.” And if someone would have said that I not only attend Mass, but also receive Communion, I would have said “Wait a minute… does that mean I’m going to confession?” Then the same person would have told me that I go to Mass several times during the week and I would have assumed the whole thing was a dream.

Sorry I went WAY off topic, but this last year has been the most joyous in my life and I thank John Paul II for it; for his death set off the chain-reaction of events and research that led me back to Christ via His Church.

 

[maggieodae]

Jabronie:

So much has happened indeed. If someone would have told me a year ago that I’d be going to church every week, I would have said “What, did my girlfriend finally turn me Lutheran?” If someone would have said I’d be going to Catholic Church every week, I would have said, “What, did my girlfriend leave me and I met a Catholic girl.” And if someone would have said that I not only attend Mass, but also receive Communion, I would have said “Wait a minute… does that mean I’m going to confession?” Then the same person would have told me that I go to Mass several times during the week and I would have assumed the whole thing was a dream.

Sorry I went WAY off topic, but this last year has been the most joyous in my life and I thank John Paul II for it; for his death set off the chain-reaction of events and research that led me back to Christ via His Church.

We were indeed blessed. His rich legacy lives on. Welcome home.

 

[beckers]

Jabronie:

So much has happened indeed. If someone would have told me a year ago that I’d be going to church every week, I would have said “What, did my girlfriend finally turn me Lutheran?” If someone would have said I’d be going to Catholic Church every week, I would have said, “What, did my girlfriend leave me and I met a Catholic girl.” And if someone would have said that I not only attend Mass, but also receive Communion, I would have said “Wait a minute… does that mean I’m going to confession?” Then the same person would have told me that I go to Mass several times during the week and I would have assumed the whole thing was a dream.

Sorry I went WAY off topic, but this last year has been the most joyous in my life and I thank John Paul II for it; for his death set off the chain-reaction of events and research that led me back to Christ via His Church.

Praise GOD because even in death John Paul worked for the souls of the lost sheep. Welcome home my brother!

 

[UtahMaggie]

I have been watching my “Pope John Paul II” dvd almost every day. I really enjoy it and cry almost every time. I can’t believe it’s been almost a year. I miss him so much but am so happy for him. I also wondered how long it would take me to get used to B16. JPII became pope when I was 10 years old. But now when I think of B16, I noticed I get the same loving and comforting thoughts I did about JPII. I remember getting really excited when I heard the pope had blessed the Olympic flame. I see his picture in our parish and it’s no longer strange to see someone else dressed as pope. Maggie

 

[cmt]

UtahMaggie:

I have been watching my “Pope John Paul II” dvd almost every day. I really enjoy it and cry almost every time. I can’t believe it’s been almost a year. I miss him so much but am so happy for him. I also wondered how long it would take me to get used to B16. JPII became pope when I was 10 years old. But now when I think of B16, I noticed I get the same loving and comforting thoughts I did about JPII. I remember getting really excited when I heard the pope had blessed the Olympic flame. I see his picture in our parish and it’s no longer strange to see someone else dressed as pope. Maggie

Yes, I feel the same way. I miss John Paul II, but we are Blessed to have Benedict.