This day marks a very important event for many, specially Christians and Catholics as today is when two former popes are declared as saints by Vatican. Some even call this day "One Sunday Four Popes" because 4 popes were in the said event, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, Pope Francis XIV, Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXXIII.
Brief History: (article taken from BBC)
"The Year of the Three Popes" came in 1978. Pope Paul VI died at the age of 80. His successor, elected in a single day, took the name John Paul in memory of his two predecessors. Thirty-three days later he, too, was dead.
Once again the College of Cardinals conducted the centuries-old ritual of a papal election in the Sistine Chapel. After two days of deliberation, Karol Wojtyla became the next successor to St Peter.
Taking the name John Paul II, the new pontiff signalled a new era in Catholic affairs. He was dynamic and approachable, an instantly recognisable leader for the world's largest Christian community.
Above all, he travelled. On an early trip to Ireland, he appealed to the men of violence to return to the ways of peace. American Catholics saw him reject all calls for a change in moral teaching.
I remember when I was in high school, I was asked; "If you can talk to someone, dead or alive, who would he/she be and why?" My answer? "Pope John Paul II because I have a lot of questions, about heaven, God and him and I want to see the kindness the kind smile that he always wears in person"
I personally love Pope John Paul II as I see him as a very good person, he has that smile on his face that makes you feel the kindness in his heart. I envy my dad so much because unlike me, he was able to see St. John Paul II in person when he first came here in PH. However, I still feel blessed that I am part of the generation who really got to know St. John Paul II. :)
Key dates:
1920: Born near Krakow, Poland
1946: Ordained a priest
1964: Appointed Archbishop of Krakow
1978: Elected Pope
2005: Died, beatification process begins
2011: Beatified
2014: Canonised
I would like to share to you the prayers to St. John Paul II and St. John XXIII.
Prayer to St. John Paul II:
St. John Paul, from the window of Heaven grant us your blessing! Bless the Church that you have loved, served and guided, pushing Her with courage towards the paths of the world to bring Christ to all, and all to Christ. From the window of Heaven, where we see you next to Mary, send down upon us all the blessing of God. Amen.
Prayer to St. John XXIII:
St. John XXIII, Your simple and meek persona carried the scent of God & the desire of goodness was inflamed in the heart. Pray for us so that we do not limit ourselves to mourn the darkness but rather to enkindle the light, bringing Christ everywhere and always praying to Mary. Amen.
