Ex Umbris Et Imaginibus: Blessed John Paul's New Tomb

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Blessed John Paul's New Tomb

Cardinal Stanislav Dziwisz, Archbishop of Krakow and former personal secretary of Pope John Paul II, prays in front of the Tomb of new blessed John Paul II at the St. Peter's Basilica on May 3, 2011 in Vatican City, Vatican. The body of John Paul II was moved to the new resting place, near Michelangelo's 'The Pieta' statue, after a lavish beatification ceremony.

Here is a photograph of Blessed John Paul's new tomb, beneath the altar of St Sebastian in St Peter's Basilica. Cardinal Dziwisz is depicted about to offer Mass.

The tomb is beautiful - simple and noble. It will probably become the most visited placed in the basilica, I can imagine the crowds that will congregate around it. I can also imagine the efforts priests will go to get a chance to offer Mass over the tomb. Priests, with the proper identification papers, can offer Mass in St Peter's between 6.30 and 9am each morning, and there are a few altar/tombs which are in great demand - St Peter's, St Pius X, Blessed John XXIII.

Whenever I came to St Peter's to offer Mass I always got the altar/tomb of St Gregory Nazianzen, to whom I have a devotion. Call it coincidence? Nah, just Greg looking after a friend. Perhaps next time I'm over, Blessed John Paul might grant me the favour of offering Mass at his tomb.

Tomb of St Gregory Nazianzen beneath the Image of Our Lady in St Peter's Basilica

UPDATE: Some reactions to the new tomb as recorded by the Catholic News Agency.

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Jesus, Mary and Joseph,

Holy Family of Nazareth,

we bless and venerate you.

We commend to your care and protection

the cause of marriage and family life.

May the peace which reigned in your home

take possession of all hearts and abide in all families.

Confirm all men and women in the truth

so we may recognise what is good and right

and reject all that hinders life

and the true flourishing of humanity.

Guide the hearts of all citizens

that we may witness to the truth

in forming the laws governing our society.

Bless those who work for the protection

of marriage, family and life.

O Jesus, Mary and Joseph,

Holy Family of Nazareth,

We entrust our hearts and our lives to you.

Amen

Heavenly Father,

We thank you for the witness of your Servant, Blessed Paul VI, who served you and the Church as Universal Pastor in difficult times.

As a pilgrim among pilgrims he sought to reveal the beauty and joy of the Gospel to the men and women of his time, choosing the way of gentleness and forbearance.

As Shepherd of the flock he sought to proclaim the truth in a time of great confusion in imitation of his patron the Apostle to the Gentiles.

As Servant he proclaimed the Gospel of Life and in doing so bore the cross of suffering and isolation in union with your Crucified Son becoming a Prophet in the midst of the growing culture of death.

As we beseech you to raise your Servant to be numbered among the Saints, may his example of faith, courage and patient endurance inspire us in our daily living of the Gospel and in our witness to Jesus Christ.

May we too be Prophets of life, respecting, protecting and cherishing the gift of life, most especially in its most vulnerable moments.

May we too be your missionaries at this time, seeking to transform the hearts of all men and women through the joy we find in Christ.

Hear our prayers, most Merciful Father, and grant us through the intercession of Blessed Paul the graces we now ask that you may grant a healing of baby Paul.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory Be.

Blessed Paul VI, pray for him

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour of the world, look upon our brothers and sisters in the Middle East, who proclaim your Name and live your Gospel in the midst of persecution, strive and martyrdom. Save them, we pray, protect them, and hear our prayer that peace may come to the Land you graced with your presence.

Sweet Jesus of Nazareth, our Christ, Incarnate Son of God, Redeemer, heed your people’s prayers. Amen.

Holy Mother Mary, Mother of God and Queen of Peace, pray for your suffering children.

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Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Blessed John Paul's New Tomb

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