Interview With Blessed John Paul's Postulator

As we prepare for the canonisation of Blessed John Paul II, Zenit has published an interview with the Postulator of the Pontiff's Cause, Mgr Oder.  Here is the link, and it is worth reading.

Among the interesting pieces of information we discover that Blessed John Paul corresponded with St Pio of Pietrelcina for a period of time; that John Paul was a mystic, though the Postulator cannot identify exact mystical experiences in the Pontiff's life; and it seems the rumours of the pope's desire to go to Medjugorje are actually true.

Feast of Blessed John Paul II

Today is the feast of Blessed John Paul II: so happy feast day to you all.  I was reading some excerpts from his writings and one piece in particular struck me.  Given the battle that is going on, our attempts to defend human life and dignity, and the faith in this aggressively secular world, this quotation had great resonance for me.  It gives me hope while recognising the reality of what is going on.  Here is the passage for your meditation:

 

We are now standing in the face of the greatest historical confrontation humanity has ever experienced. I do not think the wide circle of the American Society, or the wide circle of the Christian Community realize this fully. We are now facing the final confrontation between the Church and the anti-church, between the Gospel and the anti-gospel, between Christ and the antichrist. This confrontation lies within the plans of Divine Providence. It is, therefore, in God’s Plan, and it must be a trial which the Church must take up, and face courageously…

We must prepare ourselves to suffer great trials before long, such as will demand of us a disposition to give up even life, and a total dedication to Christ and for Christ. With your and my prayers, it is possible to mitigate the coming tribulation, but it is no longer possible to avert it, because only thus can the Church be effectually renewed. How many times has the renewal of the Church sprung from the shedding of blood? This time too, it will not be otherwise. We must be strong and prepared and trust in Christ and in his Holy Mother and be very, very assiduous in praying the holy rosary.

The Miracle

 You may have seen this, but if not, here is the account of the miracle which has led to the canonisation of Blessed John Paul.  The lady healed is Floribeth Mora, and she invoked the intercession of Blessed John Paul after she had watched his beatification ceremony on television.

It is an extraordinary healing, but I am struck by what the voice said to the woman: "Rise! Do not be afraid!"  The words of the Blessed Pontiff himself at the Mass for the Inauguration of his Papacy in 1978.

SANTO SUBITO!

 

Well, the Holy Father has signed the decree for canonisation: Blessed John Paul II, beloved Pope and co-patron of our Fraternity is to be canonised!  The quickest Cause in modern times.  What a day!  The Holy Father has yet to announce the date - he wants to consult with the Cardinals first (why, I wonder?).  So we'll keep our eyes and ears open. 

 

Blessed John XXIII is also to be canonised in the same ceremony - the Pope has dispensed with the requirement for a second miracle, as is his right.  Some may not be happy with that particular with such a controversial figure as John XXIII.  Yet we need to bear in mind that the same Papal privilege was invoked in the cases of St John Fisher, St Thomas More and St Maximilian Kolbe, so it is not unusual.  We already had a miracle for Blessed John's beatification, so we can take it that it is God's will that he be glorified.  That said, with the joint canonisation we have an opportunity to look at who Blessed John really was, not a screaming liberal, but an orthodox pontiff who sought real reform in the Church to prepare for the great mission which lies ahead.  In this Blessed John and Blessed John Paul are of the one heart and one mind.

 

We await the details of Blessed John Paul's miracle, but we know it concerns a Costa Rican woman, Floribeth Mora, who was suffering from a cerebral aneurism who was suddenly and inexplicably healed after prayer to the Blessed Pontiff in the hours after his beatification on the 1st May 2011.  Reports from the Vatican say that the details of the miracle will astound.

 

So now, friends, get packing!  We're going to Rome.  I can hear the engines revving in Poland already.   Jesteśmy na naszej drodze!

Time To Start Packing?

 

A news report today from the Italian news agency ANSA is saying that the panel of theologians in the CCS have approved a second miracle through the intercession of Blessed John Paul II.  If this is true, it is a major step towards his canonisation.  Two more remain to be taken: approval by the CCS itself and then the Holy Father.  If things move along in the next month (the Vatican closes down for August - or at least it used to, Pope Francis may have other ideas), then we may well see his canonisation soon.  Perhaps even in time for October, as some are speculating.  In an earlier post I was not so sure, but I think it may well be possible. 

 

Well, if it's going happen, then if you're going to Rome, act quickly as there is sure to be a frenzy.  Airline companies will put up their prices, hotel rooms will be at a premium and I'm sure most of Poland will be on the move crowding the roads of Europe (and who would blame them!).  It might be no harm to have a packed bag ready and waiting and one eye on Vatican news services.  It may well be an interesting summer.

 

When John Paul's canonisation does take place, I imagine it will be the biggest in history.  A great festival of faith, no doubt - one to bring the Year of Faith to a dramatic conclusion (don't rule out the Solemnity of Christ the King as a possible date for the ceremony, the last day of the Year of Faith).  Of course the work may well begin to have John Paul declared a Doctor of the Church, and we shall see if the title "The Great" sticks.

 

And just to give us a flavour of what is to come (some day, but hopefully this year), here again is the moment of John Paul's beatification: 

 

Santo Subito

 

Andrea Tornelli, always a reliable reporter in Vatican affairs has reported that the doctors at the Congregation of the Causes of Saints have described a healing attributed to Blessed John Paul II as "inexplicable".   

 

The findings will now be submitted to the panel of theologians and if they agree, then to the cardinals, and if they agree then the case will be presented to Pope Francis, and if he agrees and issues a decree of a miracle, the way is clear for Pope John Paul's canonisation.  Tornelli suggests that the canonisation could be as early as October!  Indeed one article says that the date will be the 20th October.

 

Now I would be cautious as regards this timeline.  Even if the alleged miracle makes its way quickly through the theologians and cardinals, and Pope Francis promulgates the decree, I would imagine the organisation of what will probably be the biggest canonisation ceremony in the history of the Church will need some time to organise.  For one thing the poor Vatican workers will have to face yet another huge event in a year that has, so far, been most stressful for them. 

 

That said there are some in the Church, cardinals included, who want to see the process end quickly, not because of a desire to see John Paul canonised, but because they are tired of the popular devotion that surrounds him.  Well let's hope that devotion grows. And indeed I, among others, would hope that as JP2 clears the canonisation process, the process to have him declared a Doctor of the Church will begin.

Relics: A Human Thing?

Pope Benedict venerates relics "ex sanguine" of Blessed John Paul II during his beatification ceremony

Last Thursday the Fraternity in London held a Mass in honour of Blessed John Paul II, in accordance with the Indult granted by Rome.  The relic of the Blessed Pontiff was present, and I had the privilege of offering the Mass. We had a great crowd, and a beautiful choir provided the music – the Happy Day Gospel Choir.   Members of our monthly prayer group were joined by other devotees of Blessed John Paul, and people from the arts and film industry. 

As noted by my colleague, Caroline McCamley, we were covered by the Catholic Herald.  In fact I was in the airport when I got the call from the journalist: the article was quite good, so I hope it will help bring more attention to the London group who meet faithfully every month.

Some of the comments at the end of the article were interesting.  The Catholic Herald has its regular trolls who denigrate various articles and the doctrines and teaching of the Catholic faith, and it seems some of the trolls popped up over the bridge in response to our article.  This time it was the cult of relics.

I suppose for some non-Catholics and even for some in the Church the veneration of relics may seem odd and perhaps ghastly – I think one commenter (troll?) called us “ghouls” for venerating the relic of Blessed John Paul: curious.   The veneration of relics is an ancient practice and not confined to Catholicism.  Buddhism, much beloved of many critics of the Catholic faith, cherishes relics of Buddha, not only items associated with him, but also his ashes and other bodily remains which are enshrined in stupas and attract numerous pilgrims. The relic of Buddha’s tooth, saved from cremation, is venerated in Sri Lanka, for example.   The tooth is regarded as a symbolic representation of the living Buddha, and so various rituals and ceremonies have grown up around the relic. 

Buddha's tooth, venerated as a relic by Buddhists

Muslims also venerate relics of Mohammed and other holy people in their faith – Muslims could hardly be accused of idolatry by critics of the cult of relics.  Mohammed’s tomb is a place of pilgrimage, and among his relics cherished by his followers is a lock of his hair and his cloak. 

Relics of Mohammed venerated by Muslims

Indeed, while we are at it, we’ll push the boat out and remind our critics that even atheists cherish relics: the veneration shown to the bodies of Lenin and, for a time, Stalin, reveals that even those who do not believe in God, still feel the need for some form of the cult of relics, recognising by their “devotion” that there is something positive and distinctly human in this practice. 

Lenin's body venerated by his devotees

In terms of Christianity, relics have been part of the devotional life of the faithful from the beginning.  During St Paul’s lifetime, for example, people obtained relics of him – handkerchiefs which had touched him, and these were instrumental in the healing of the sick (Acts 19:11-12).  The devotional life of the Church since then has included relics, most potently those of the martyrs which were venerated in memory of the sacrifice they had made for Christ.   God has worked through this devotion to relics, working miracles, but most importantly bringing people closer to himself through his Saints. 

That said, there have been abuses, and these must not be encouraged.  The Church is quite strict when it comes to these and reminds the faithful that relics are a means to faith, not faith itself.  Relics are also the remains of human beings and so they must also be respected and cared for.  In the past, in the quest for relics, some grisly things were done to the remains of the Saints – such things must not be repeated: the bodies of the Saints must now be respected and preserved – when relics are taken it must be done with respect for the integrity of the body.  No one “owns” a relic, they are merely custodians, and relics must be protected and safely passed on for future generations.  Relics can never be sold, that is a sin.  If money changes hands it must only be to cover the costs of the preparation of the relics.

Relics are venerated rather than worshiped – they are not the object of faith, but a help to faith.  In venerating a relic we venerate the Saint or Blessed who is to bring us closer to God.  They are like keep-sakes, but more sacred since they are the blessed remains of the holy ones.  When used correctly, relics can bring great joy and assistance to the faithful.  I had one such experience of this recently. 

Fraternity Relic of Blessed John Paul II.

A few days after the Fraternity received the relic of Blessed John Paul I got a call from a friend who told me of a lady who was dying and who had a great devotion to Blessed John Paul: she asked me if I could give her a blessing with the relic.   I called into the hospital to see the woman.  She was a good woman who had dedicated her life to the sick and dying herself, and she was suffering greatly.  As soon as she received the relic her face was transformed with joy – she said that John Paul had come to visit her as she was preparing to die.  As she told people later, peace flooded her soul and all fear passed away.  She lived for another couple of weeks, but her family say that from that day she was joyful and serene and died a peaceful, holy death.  Through his relic, Blessed John Paul came to her and assured her of his presence and prayers. 

I have no doubt that God, Our Lady and Pope John Paul were already with the lady, but the Lord used the relic of the Pontiff as a tangible sign to remind her that they were there with her and she need not be afraid.   God can used relics to bring comfort and hope, and to assure the Church on earth of the prayers and loving care of the Church in heaven.  The pilgrimage of the relics of St Thérèse of Lisieux around the world is one such blessing: millions, many facing difficulties in their lives, have been lifted up by the visit of the relics of the Little Flower to their country.

So abuses aside, when properly understood, the veneration of relics can bring many blessings and increase our faith.

Extraordinary Gift For The Fraternity

Yesterday, the feast of St Therese, the Fraternity received a most extraordinary gift: His Eminence, Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz of Krakow, sent us a first class relic of our co-patron, Blessed John Paul II, ex sanguine, from his blood.    The Cardinal, as you know, was Blessed John Paul's personal secretary and friend, and he looked after the Pontiff in his final illness.  To say that we are thrilled is an understatement!  The relic will be available for our ministry in the Fraternity and for the veneration of our members, those we work with and the faithful in general.  This wonderful gift comes after the Congregation for Divine Worship and Sacraments granted us the Indult to celebrate Blessed John Paul's feast.  A sincere thanks to His Eminence for his kindness and generosity.

Since we are on the topic, I want to remind you of our celebration of the feast day.  The Fraternity will host a Feast Day Mass in St Mary's Church, Drogheda, on the 22nd October at 7.30pm.   The new first class relic will be there and those who attend will be able to venerate it.   Everyone is welcome to come and celebrate the feast with the Fraternity, and you can pass on the word to your friends, particularly those who were devoted to the Blessed Pontiff.

Also for those who might be interested - Fraternity members and others, we are planning a pilgrimage to Poland next year in honour of Blessed John Paul.  The tentative dates are the 21st to the 29th May 2013.  We are working on the details and accommodation at the moment, but we will let you know as soon as things have been finalised.  We will probably stay in Krakow, but take tours to the various places associated with John Paul - Wadowice, Czestochowa, Kalvaria, as well as visiting other places of note, among them Auschwitz.  So if you are interested make a note of the dates.

In terms of what has been happening - well, what a week!  Former President of Ireland, Mary McAleese certainly made the headlines with her attack on the Catholic Church in a radio interview last Friday.  Giving us the benefit of her wisdom she said that the Church needs to become more like the Anglican communion and use the synod system to decide, it seems, our beliefs and practices.  She seems to resent the role of the Pope as the universal pastor and Vicar of Christ, or at least that role in real terms, she would prefer if the Pope permitted democracy.  I wonder if Mrs McAleese is actually up to date with what is happening in the Anglican communion - it is falling apart as the synod system has led to the abandonment of Christian doctrine in favour of relativism.  Surely if Mrs McAleese wants us to adopt that system, does she mean she wants the Catholic Church to fall apart and become as irrelevant? 

I think this idea shows extraordinary naivety and blindness on McAleese's part.  However she had even more objectionable things to say.  As I saw it, she implied that the Church imposes obedience because it has lost the argument on various issues, most notably for McAleese, contraception.  Ironic this: as she sees Humanae Vitae as a lost argument every day its prophetic nature is being underlined as modern men and women dig even deeper holes for themselves, sexually, and continue to undermine the stability of relationships and family life. 

The former President also believes the Church has it wrong on homosexuality.  In fact, and here is the most offensive thing she said, she blames the Church for the mass suicide of young men in recent years because of its teaching on homosexuality.   This is despicable and deeply insulting: there is no evidence to back up McAleese's claim and her comments are unacceptable and deserve, I think, a formal rebuke from her bishop.  Now the former President has her own agenda on this issue - homosexuality is a personal issue for her family, but making such groundless and dangerous allegations against the Church is disengenuous.

There were many things I found offensive with the interview, but over all I resent McAleese's using her position as a former President of Ireland to give her a platform to attack the Church and to prevent anyone from taking her on: after all if any one of us should publicly rebuke her many will defend her because of her record as President and she knows this.  I greatly admired her as President, but I'm afraid my admiration has diminished.  

One question I would like to ask her though: if the Anglican Communion is the best model for Catholicism, then why stay in the Catholic Church?  At this stage she knows the Catholic Church will not change to suit her opinions, so why not go over to the greener fields on other side of the river?  She can use the bridge she constructed during her presidency.   

I was sent a rather interesting link yesterday regarding The Irish Times and its objectivity.  It seems the paper of record may not be as trustworthy as it would have us believe.  Apparently when it reported on the small turn out for a pro-choice rally recently, it was rebuked by pro-abortion advocates, and so the paper revised its figures upwards.   So much for journalistic standards.  When it comes to pro-life events they are usually ignored by the paper, but if covered the figures are drastically reduced.  I see "MediaWatch" in the Alive! newspaper also takes the Times to task, this time over its reporting on Archbishop Diarmuid Martin's speech at the MacGill summer school.  The paper tried to give the impression that the Archbishop and Cardinal Brady were at variance over the issue of abortion.  The Archbishop wrote a strongly worded letter of complaint and accused the paper of "mischevious misrepresentation", and it seems the Archbishop is quite correct in his assessment. 

And as we're talking about Archbishop Martin, I see he is trying to get a new system of sacramental preparation going in his diocese - a welcome development, I think.  For too long the sacraments were given just because you were in a certain class in school regardless of faith or practice.  To refuse First Communion or Confirmation to children of unbelievers brings the wrath of parents and media on your head.  I know of one case where parents refused to have their child baptised, but still wanted her to receive First Communion: they did not want her to be a member of such an abusive Church, but still wanted her to "have her day out with her friends", and they had plenty of support for their position.  Madness!  As priests we can do very little since the programmes and the actual system is set in place by the bishops: we can only supplement it with sound material and do the best we can to try and get people to Mass and to practice the faith.  However a new approach is needed and hopefully Archbishop Martin's initial steps will help usher out the old and bring in a new, more evangelical and responsible system. 

Feasts And Honours

Well, back in harness, and trawling through the work that has built up since I left, and some events to prepare for, including St Genesius’s feast day which falls on the 25th August.  We will have our usual feast day Mass in Drogheda, and of course the annual Online Novena.  More about that later. 

I have received the official letter from the Congregation for Divine Worship and Sacraments detailing the Indult regarding the celebration of Blessed John Paul II’s memoria.   Here are the details.

Cardinal Canizares Llovera signed two decrees for the Fraternity. The first Prot. n. 394/12/L permits the following:

1. A gathering of members of the Fraternity may celebrate the memorial of Blessed John Paul II on the 22nd October.  This means our priest-members may offer the Mass with our members on that day.  Also granted: if no priest-member is available for our members, any priest in good standing may offer the Mass of the memorial for Fraternity members on that day.  This is even more generous, we had not asked for this, but we are delighted to be granted the faculty.  So, members around the world, you may gather for the Mass of Blessed John Paul and if a priest-member is not available, you can ask a priest to offer the Mass for you.

2. A gathering of members may celebrate the Mass of Blessed John Paul II (a votive Mass) on any day of the year as long as the day is free to do so in accordance with the order of precedence in the Table of Liturgical Days. 

3. The Office of Blessed John Paul II may also be celebrated by members of the Fraternity either in common, or individually, on the memorial day 22nd October, and also as a votive Office on other days of the year, in accordance with the order of precedence.

4. Sacred Images of Blessed John Paul II may be displayed during these celebrations.

A second decree, Prot. n. 395/12/L, approves the liturgical texts to be used for the celebrations, both in English and in Latin.  A collect and Second Reading for the Office are included.

In short, this Indult has made the memorial of Blessed John Paul II, Pope and Co-Patron of the Fraternity, proper to the Fraternity.  As soon as we can, we will make the texts available to members, hopefully before the feast in October.

Other news.  Well the Olympics have ended in London – what a wonderful couple of weeks.  There were some remarkable performances.  Ireland won five medals – one gold, one silver and three bronze.  Katie Taylor, a woman boxer, won the gold.  With the exception of one bronze for horse jumping, our other medals were also won by boxers.   It is our best sport when it comes to the Olympics.  The neighbours, Great Britain, won a right haul of medals and were placed third on the medals chart – well done to them.  A number of knighthoods, damehoods and other honours are expected for the British Olympians.

That raises an issue for us in Ireland: an honours system.  Our Olympians will come home to a party, a reception by the president, perhaps some civil receptions and of course, most importantly, the adulation of the people: we are very proud of them all.   But should there not be some system of honours here in Ireland for those citizens who have brought great prestige to our country? 

The question of an honours systems is a vexed one in Ireland – some do not like the idea because it reminds them of the days when we are part of the United Kingdom.  And after all, are we not a republic?  Well other republics have honours systems, like the US and Austria for example.  And France still confers knighthoods.  Even the Vatican has an honours system, which, by and large, functions well, although I think greater prudence is needed in conferring knighthoods and damehoods – they should not be given just because someone has made large donations to the Church or because they occupy certain positions.

Dame Katie Taylor?  In Britain, an honour; in Ireland, nothing.

If Katie Taylor was British she would probably be given an OBE at least, and perhaps even made a dame given the historic nature of her win.  I think it is time for the government to consider an honours system.  As we have an ancient history with a nobility of its own, we could even establish an order of knights and dames.  We already do something like this for our artists, the Order of Saoi: those writers and artists who have brought honour to Ireland through their work are initiated into the Order by the conferral of a torc – in fact Saoi is a title.  The number of members is limited to seven, so it is like the British Order of Merit but for artists.  Why not something similar for others?  There was talk of reviving the Order of St Patrick, but it came to nothing.  A gong for Irish living abroad is on the cards – the Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad: that’s a step, but what about the people here in Ireland? 

Now I realise great caution is needed: we wouldn’t want every gangster politician, businessman and ideologue receiving such honours – we have had enough with brown envelops.  But there are honourable Irish men and women deserving of honour, and some of them are honoured abroad, many by Britain for their work. As Bertie Ahern once said, referring to Ireland’s hang-up in this area: “Irish people who achieve something significant in their walk of life must go to other jurisdictions to get their awards.  That is wrong.  An awards system should not be based on a system of monarchy or anything else.  It is only an awards system.”   Bertie could have brought such a system in when he was in power but didn’t, but whatever you think about him, here he has a point.

Good News From Rome For The Fraternity

 

I received good news this afternoon.  The Protector Bishop of the Fraternity, Bishop Michael Smith, rang me to tell me that the Congregation for Divine Worship and Sacraments have granted the Fraternity permission to celebrate the feast of Blessed John Paul II.   The letter, signed by Cardinal Canizares Llovera himself, was received by the Bishop this morning, and another has been sent to the Fraternity.   As soon as I get more details I will post them - probably when I get back from vacation.

Following Blessed John Paul's beatification, the Council of the Fraternity made the decision to make him Co-Patron of the Fraternity, since he is one of our major inspirations - we had a special Mass in May of last years, attended by many members of the Fraternity, to formally declare him Patron.  It was announced at that Mass that the Council would petition Rome for permission to celebrate the feast of the Blessed Pontiff as, according to the liturgical norms, a Blessed's feast can only be celebrated within his or her own diocese or congregation, and in those dioceses or congregations which have received formal permission from Rome to do so.  

Having done the preparatory work, assisted and advised by Bishop Smith, we had to make a request to the Irish Bishop's Conference to send a petition to Rome on our behalf.  On the 1st June of this year, Cardinal Sean Brady, on behalf of the Bishops made a formal petition to the Congregation: today it received a positive response.  

First of all, our deep thanks must go to Cardinal Canizares Llovera for granting our petition.  Our thanks must also go to Cardinal Brady for his kindness in agreeing to make the formal petition.  And of course, much thanks and appreciation to Bishop Smith who has been instrumental in helping us in this petition, and has been a great friend and supporter of the Fraternity since the first day we approached him for advice and help.  And finally, to Blessed John Paul himself - for his prayers and fatherly care for our family of prayer, a joyful "dzieki"!

So, I will post the details of the indult when I get them - but to all the members of the Fraternity I ask you to prepare for the 22nd October - on that day I request that all members of our family of prayer throughout the world will celebrate for the first time, the feast of our beloved Co-Patron. 

Friday: Tombs of St Peter and Blessed John Paul II

This morning, coming to St Peter's Basilica, we honour St Peter, coming "ad limina" to his tomb, and for the first time since his beatification we come to the tomb of our Fraternity's co patron, Blessed John Paul II.

On this rock, Christ has built his Church - this rock is Simon Peter, the fisherman, a weak man, one who denied the Lord three times at a moment when Christ needed him most.  But for all his mistakes, Peter loved Christ, and this love made him worthy of being the rock.  In this Easter season, as we read from the Acts of the Apostles we are astonished at the transformation which has taken place in Peter.  Now, thanks to the grace the Risen Christ conferred on him, and thanks to the work of the Holy Spirit, this rock is solid, determined and devoted: nothing will stop him.  Such determination for the mission and love for Christ should be desired by all Christians and especially those of us in the Fraternity.

O Blessed Peter, rock on which Christ built his Church, watch over the flock now as you did in life.  Inspire us with your love for the Saviour, and help us to overcome our weaknesses by prayer, penance and generous co-operation with the grace of God.  Amen.

In Blessed John Paul II we see a worthy successor of Peter, a Pontiff who merits the title "Great" for his work.  A mystic, he was ever practical.  Though not perfect, his love for Christ and his people urged him on to heroism in face of tyranny as priest, bishop and pope.  In his zeal for a New Evangelisation, he inspires us to push out into the deep and proclaim anew the Gospel for Christ.  May he help us in the Fraternity to fulfil his desire to bring Christ to every corner of the world.

Blessed Pope John Paul, pray for our Fraternity, and guide us in our work as we seek, through prayer and sacrifice, to assist the men and women of the theatrical and cinematic arts, and to be of service to the Church in the New Evangelisation.   United with the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, our Saviour, and the prayers of our Holy Mother Mary, pray that we may we offer ourselves more generously as a sacrifice acceptable to the Father for the sake of our brothers and sisters. Pray that they may come to know, love and proclaim Christ and his Gospel to the people of our time and, in the life to come, share eternal life with you, St Genesius and all the saints.    Amen.

Happy Feast Day, Blessed John Paul II

Today is the first celebration of the feast of Blessed John Paul II.  At the moment there are few places where it can be celebrated officially, but we can all do so privately.   This day marks the inauguration of his pontificate in 1978 - what a day!   In the days following his election it gradually began to dawn on the Church and the world that this pope would not be like the others - something big was about to happen.  Indeed the late Cardinal Cooke of New York, now Servant of God, said that the death of Pope John Paul I was a huge shock, and when the Cardinals arrived for a second conclave in just over a month they were aware that God was saying something important to Church - in their midst there was one chosen for an important mission. How right he was.

The Fraternity has submitted a request to the Congregation of Divine Worship for permission to celebrate the feast, but no word yet.  We wait with hope - please pray. Although the way things are going, he may well be canonised before long.

In the meantime, as we mark this wonderful day, a couple of videos - the first to remind us of that moment we all prayed for - still brings tears to my eyes. 

O God, who are rich in mercy
and who willed that the Blessed John Paul II
should preside as Pope over your universal Church,
grant, we pray, that instructed by his teaching,
we may open our hearts to the saving grace of Christ,
the sole Redeemer of mankind.
Who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.

Possible Miracle For Blessed John Paul II

You may have seen this interview with Cardinal Amato, Prefect of the Congregation of the Causes of Saints, concerning Blessed John Paul II.  He tells the interviewer that a possible miracle, worked since his beatification in May, is now being examined and may be the one to see Blessed Pontiff canonised.  Of course the Cardinal is cautious and reminds us that they will not be rushing it, but will take their time, as they should. 

Depending on the nature of the healing, of which there are no details yet, and will probably be kept under wraps for some time, it could see Blessed John Paul, now co-patron of the Fraternity, raised to the altars as a Saint within a decade of his death, which will be a record.  We pray that all will go well.

For your devotion, the Fraternity's Litany to Blessed John Paul:

Lord have mercy,

Christ have mercy,

Lord have mercy

Mary, Mother of God,                pray for us
Mother of the Church,

Queen of all Saints, 

Blessed John Paul II,                 pray for us
Heroic Pastor, 
Witness to Hope, 
Mystical Pontiff, 

Teacher in Holiness, 
Defender of Life, 
Prophet of True Freedom, 
Father of the Young, 
Apostle of Mercy, 

V. Pray for us, Holy Pontiff, Blessed John Paul:
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

St Genesius Film Club Tonight

At our film club tonight we are showing a documentary on Blessed John Paul II to celebrate his beatification.  if you are in Dublin and you can make it through the maze of barriers constructed for the royal visit, come along.

Blessed John Paul's II Hymn A Running Success

Do you remember that moment when Pope John Paul was declared Blessed and his image was unveiled from the balcony of St Peter's, and when the two sisters brought the relics to the Pope?  Those very emotional moments were accompanied by the official hymn to the new Blessed which definitely heightened the atmosphere. 

Well according to RomeReports the hymn is turning out to be a big success and bringing its composer, Mgr Marco Frisina to the world's attention.  Very nice.  I hope it will feature on a CD soon.  The music is catchy yet solemn, and pulls on the emotions.   Here's the report.

He's Back!

I was talking with a priest friend of mine who is just back from Rome having been at the beatification of Blessed John Paul II.  He had lots of wonderful stories to tell about what were truly a grace-filled few days. 

As we discussed the ceremony he said that as the Holy Father said the formula of beatification it suddenly became apparent was Pope John Paul was back.  This sense was reinforced as his image was unveiled.  I could identify with what he said.  There is something in that moment, something which changes everything forever.  We may have devotion to a Servant of God for a long time, but when the Pope proclaims that person Blessed it seems everything is changed, everything is different – the person seems to be more alive than ever. They are back, you might say.

And how true that is.  Beatification is an act whereby the Church recognises that someone is in heaven and praying for us.  As we discussed it I said that that sense of being back was a sign of the person’s glorification – now they are glorified with Christ, and living with God and in God, and so they are here, among us, in our midst in a way which is more real and radical than when here in their earthly existence.   I have often felt this with Saints and Blesseds, but it is much more tangible with Blessed John Paul.  Indeed it reminds me of his Audiences.  When he came into the Audience Hall you were suddenly aware of this tremendous presence, a power, a holiness which seemed to fill the entire hall and touch your heart and leave you in shedding tears of joy.  I often noticed it.  I remember when I went back to Rome for the first time after his death I sensed an absence – he was gone.  But now…he’s back, your heart feels it: he is now, through beatification - with God's blessing, a tremendous presence in the Church.  Deo gratias!

There has been much talk about beatification. The secular media struggled to understand it, and, while the Vatican recognised the universal significance of Blessed John Paul, they also reminded us that his cult is reserved to the diocese of Rome and Poland: the cult of a Blessed is local.  As I mentioned in a previous post this seems to be so strange, perhaps even meaningless, when it comes to Pope John Paul. In discussion, my friend and I agree that in life John Paul had universal jurisdiction and universal love, it is now strange to apply the usual rules of a restricted cult.  Of course I accept the Church's process, and perhaps we should double efforts and prayers for his canonisation. May the Lord grant it soon!

Blessed John Paul's New Tomb

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.

Momentous Days

What a weekend it has been!   Apart from the wonderful events in Rome, other major news stories have captured our attention. 

There was of course the Royal Wedding which was an impressive affair.  One critic said that regardless of what you think of either, Britain and the Vatican know how to put on an impressive event - very true.  I was impressed by the Anglican ceremony (cartwheeling vergers put to one side!).  The instruction given by the Dean of Westminster Abbey at the beginning of the ceremony was laudable - reminding the couple of what marriage is all about - children included. I thought to myself if a Catholic priest had done likewise on television there would have been howls of anger.  Not so here.   The sermon by the Anglican Bishop of London was also very nice - loved the quotation from the writings of St Catherine of Siena. 

Then there was the killing of Osama Bin Laden.  The Vatican statement sums it up correctly - regardless of who the man was and what he did, we should not rejoice in his death, but rather mourn those he was responsible for killing and the good he could have done in his life if he had resisted the temptation to violence and destruction.  There is a tremendous human tragedy in his life: a child conceived and born with so much potential dies a hated man, a man with so much blood on his hands.  As followers of Jesus Christ we cannot but weep.   Prayer is our refuge here, and we commend all who have died to the mercy of the Lord, and to his consolation those who are bereaved.  I pray we Christians, nor anyone else, will not become victims to revenge attacks.

And then there was the sacking of the Australian bishop.  As some are indignant, many rejoice.  Now while I do believe that if a bishop or priest, or anyone with a position of responsibility in the Church consistently acts in a manner which undermines the faith and unity of the Church they should be dismissed, I also see here another aspect of that tragedy.  We must pray for Bishop Morris and his diocese.  

But tragedy is not the end - and this weekend our hearts jumped with joy at the beatification of Blessed John Paul II.  No doubt you were all watching it on tv somewhere, either live or recorded, in full or highlights.  I got to see the first part of the ceremony on Sunday morning on EWTN (couldn't be bothered to watch RTE's coverage - did not want the annoyance of snide remarks), and caught the full ceremony with EWTN's repeat later that night.  Friends were in Rome at the ceremony, so I was updated with texts.  It was a wonderful event.  It was the biggest beatification ceremony in history in terms of participants - 1.5 million.  Damian Thompson has a very good post on Blessed John Paul's legacy. 

Yesterday evening after the last of the crowds passed by the coffin, the Blessed's remains were translated to his new tomb under the altar of the chapel of St Sebastian.  A video of the translation ceremony has been released (see below).   I hope that after his canonisation (soon, we hope) his remains may be taken out and exposed under the altar as in the case of Blessed John XXIII, if that is possible.  It would be wonderful to be able to look upon the body of our Holy Father.   In the meantime, we restart our prayer for his canonisation.

We had a great crowd in St Mary's last night for the Mass of Thanksgiving for the beatification and the declaration of Blessed John Paul's co-patronage of the Fraternity.  We also had relics of the Blessed, so everyone there got a personal blessing.  If you live in Ireland and would like a blessing, let us know - we will probably bring the relics to our monthly Prayer Meeting in Drogheda - third Monday of the month, 8pm St Mary's Church.    We are working on a Fraternity prayer card, find below the video one of our new prayers to Blessed John Paul.

Novena to Blessed John Paul II

Blessed Pope John Paul II, with confidence we turn to you and ask your powerful intercession.  

Leading the Church in difficult times, your wholehearted dedication to the Word of God, your unshakable trust in the Holy Spirit, and your profound love of our Holy Mother Mary, led you to fulfil God’s will with great ardour.  You assured us to “Be not afraid” but to place all our trust in Jesus, Divine Mercy himself, and to open the doors of our hearts to his love. 

You proclaimed the Gospel of Life and urged the baptised to proclaim Christ in the midst of the darkness and confusion of modern life.  You inspired the world by your teaching on the innate dignity of the human person, created in the image of God, loved and redeemed by Christ, and called to holiness and true freedom in the practice of virtue and the humble service of our brothers and sisters.   

Help us, Beloved John Paul, to open the doors of our hearts to Christ and to walk the path of holiness.  Pray that we may truly be men and women of the Gospel, living in the Heart of the Word made flesh, and entrusting ourselves totally to the care and intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church.  

With confidence, we ask you to hear our prayers and intercede for our needs.  In particular we ask  _____________.    Lead us to Christ and to the destiny he has prepared for those who love him.  May he find in us, as he did in you, witnesses to hope, a disciples joyful in his peace and servants faithful until death.  Amen. 

The Moment.....

ALLELUIA!!!!

In a simple phrase, what was the sprituality of Blessed John Paul II?  What is the message he preached to the world?  What did he seek to pass on to the young as his legacy?

Jesus Christ, you are my life!

Join us in Drogheda tomorrow evening for our Mass of Thanksgiving for Blessed John Paul 's beatification: St Mary's Church, 7.30pm.