On this Divine Mercy Sunday, the Blessed Pope John Paul II and Blessed Pope John XXIII are canonized. Pope John Paul established the feast of Divine Mercy in 2000, saying that he had fulfilled the will of Jesus Christ. We are to be merciful to others through our actions, words, and prayers. The popes showed us by example how to be merciful.
Pope John Paul II was born Karol Józef Wojtyła in Wadowice, Poland, on May 18, 1920. He was elected pope on Oct. 16, 1978. John Paul II successfully encouraged dialogue with the Jews and other religions. They met several times, especially in Assisi. He beatified 1,338 persons and 482 became saints. His love for young people brought him to establish the World Youth Days. He was the pilgrim pope through his many travels. The pope helped bring about the fall of Communism in Easter Europe. He was shot on May 13, 1981. He protected the dignity of human beings and he showed how to die in hope by his suffering. He died on the eve of Divine Mercy Sunday. After his death the people shouted “Santo Subito!”(“Saint now!” in Italian). Pope John XXIII was born Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli at Sotto il Monte, Italy, on Nov. 25, 1881 and was elected pope on Oct, 28, 1958, taking the name John XXIII. His pontificate, which lasted less than five years, presented him as an authentic image of the Good Shepherd. He carried out the Christian duties by works of mercy. He launched a renewal of the Church, the Second Vatican Council. The faithful called him “the good Pope”.
Both popes were sustained by a profound spirit of prayer, so they knew how to lead the Church.
The Divine Mercy message prepares us for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. “I am writing this at the command of God, so that no soul may find an excuse by saying there is no hell, or that nobody has ever been there, and so no one can say what it is like…” (Diary 741, Sister Faustina Kowalska). On the Day of Divine Mercy Sunday, whoever approaches the Fountain of Life on this day will be granted complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. (Diary 300).
Fr. Rafal Duda
Parochial Vicar