Beatification

Waking at 6am, Megan and I found a group of nuns and followed them to Vatican City, only about a fifteen minute walk from Megan’s apartment! However, I don’t think that Michelangelo had the vast number of people that turned up for the beatification of JPII in mind when he designed St. Peter’s Square, because there was absolutely no possible way we could get anywhere near the Basilica. There were pilgrims everywhere, from everywhere, all there to show their love, appreciation and support for Pope John Paul II.

 We headed to the Circus Maximus, where there were giant screens set up so that people could watch the ceremony. Needless to say, it was also packed to the brim.

The beatification ceremony itself was beautiful, taking only a brief, but powerful time at the beginning of Mass. The Cardinal read his statement to the Holy Father, and Benedict declared Pope John Paul II to be blessed! A huge tapestry of the late Pope was unveiled, bringing waves of cheers and joyous applause. There was not a dry eye to be found, the older Italian women next to me was sobbing into her handkerchief, and Megan and I had starting crying the moment it began and just kept on going!

Pope Benedict's Homily: http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/homilies/2011/documents/hf_ben-xvi_hom_20110501_beatificazione-gpii_en.html

The nun who had prayed to JPII and was cured of her Parkinson's disease, his first miracle, processed the first relic up to Benedict, who blessed it and her. She then brought the small vial of blood to a small altar, where she, along with millions of pilgrims, became the first to venerate it. It was a special moment, the look on Benedict’s face, of pure joy and awe, is something I will never forget. To be able to see your dear friend and mentor beatified, and to get to witness and preside over the ceremony is a uniquely incredible occasion. The people, who had all loved and lost and been touched in some way by the life and spirit of John Paul II, were simply ecstatic to be together, honoring the life of an extraordinarily holy and humble man.

 

 A truly special day, a moment to remember.

 

Blessed John Paul II, pray for us!