What Is Saint John Paul Ii The Patron Saint Of

Patron Saint

He was born Karol Józef Wojtyla and served as Pope from 1978 to 2005. His full name is Pope Saint John Paul II (Latin: Ioannes Paulus II; Italian: Giovanni Paolo II; Polish: Jan Pawe II). Catholics commonly refer to him as Saint John Paul the Great, which is notably prevalent in the titles of religious organizations. In 1978, he was chosen by the second Papal conclave, which was convened after Pope John Paul I, who had been elected in August following the death of Pope Paul VI, died after just thirty-three days in the role of pontiff.

John Paul II is widely regarded as having played a role in bringing Communist tyranny to an end in his home Poland, and finally throughout Europe.

On issues such as artificial contraception and the ordination of women, he defended the Church’s doctrines, but he also supported the Second Vatican Council and the reforms it brought about.

Because of his focus on the general vocation to holiness, he beatified 1,340 persons and canonized 483 saints during his lifetime, which was more than the aggregate total of his predecessors’ accomplishments for the preceding 500 years.

• One of the most important goals of his pontificate was to restructure and reposition the Catholic Church.
• The second-longest-serving pope in modern history, behind Pope Pius IX, who presided for over 32 years from 1846 to 1878, he was the most powerful figure in the Catholic Church.
• The cause for canonization of Pope John Paul II was initiated in 2005, one month after his death, with the regular five-year waiting time being waived.
• In 2013, a second miracle ascribed to the intercession of Pope John Paul II was accepted by the Vatican and confirmed by Pope Francis two days later (for a person to be made a saint, two miracles due to their intercession must be verified).
• The optional memorial feast day of John Paul II was officially added to the global General Roman Calendar of saints on September 11, 2014, in response to widespread petitions from throughout the world.

Saints’ feast days are traditionally observed on the date of their deaths, however the feast day of Pope John Paul II (22 October) is observed on the anniversary of his election as Pope.

Saint John Paul II

Frequently Asked Questions

What is St. John Paul II known for?

Latin translation of Pope John Paul II In his original name, Karol Józef Wojtya, Johannes Paulus (born May 18, 1920, Wadowice, Poland—died April 2, 2005, Vatican City; beatified May 1, 2011; canonized April 27, 2014; feast day October 22), was the first non-Italian pope in 455 years, as well as the first from a Slavic country. He was elected to the position in 1978 and served as Pope for a period of eight years. His papacy, which lasted more than 26 years, was the third-longest in the history of the Catholic Church.

He also extended his influence outside the church, campaigning against political oppression and criticizing the materialism of the Western world.

While in communist Poland in the 1980s, his unashamed Polish nationalism and concentration on nonviolent political action assisted the Solidarity movement, which ultimately contributed to the peaceful demise of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Some members of the clergy, however, were dissatisfied with his centralized form of church government, which they perceived as dictatorial and restrictive.

Early life and influences

His upbringing coincided with the last time of independence that Poland would have between 1772 and 1989: the two decades that elapsed between MarshalJózef Pisudski’s victory over the SovietRed Army in 1920 and the German invasion of Poland in 1939. As a result, Wojtyla grew up with a sense of national independence while simultaneously being aware of its fragility. However, despite the fact that Wadowice, a town of around 8,000 Catholics and 2,000 Jews, was only 15 miles (24 kilometers) from the eventual location of Auschwitz, a Nazi death camp, there was reportedly minimal anti-Semitism in the town prior to the war.

1. Karol senior, Wojtya’s father, was a lieutenant in the Polish army during World War II.
2. Wojtya was a bubbly young man having a serious side to him, despite his open nature.
3. Wadowice’s major church, which was next door to the Wojtya family’s cramped flat, was where he routinely aided Father Kazimierz Figlewicz, his confessor and first instructor in Catholicism, on a regular basis.
4. His studies came to an abrupt halt on September 1, 1939, when Nazi Germany invaded Poland and occupied the country.
5. After realizing that the Russians had also invaded Poland, Wojtya and his father escaped like hundreds of others to the east, but they returned home shortly after.
6. For the following four years, he worked in a plant controlled by Solvay, a chemical company that the Nazis regarded crucial to their war effort.
7. As a result, Wojtyla was the only pope, at least in contemporary times, who had worked as a farmhand.
8. Wojtya was introduced to the teachings of St.
9. John of the Cross via Jan Tyranowski, a tailor who operated a youth ministry for the local church.

Tyranowski’s example helped to persuade Wojtya that the church, much more than a revitalized Polish theater, had the potential to make the world a better place. Wojtya’s confessor remained to be Figlewicz, his boyhood mentor, who had moved to the Wawel Cathedral in Kraków to serve as a priest.

Decision to join the priesthood

Wojtya went home from work one day in February 1941 to learn that his father had died alone; he spent the rest of the night praying beside the body. The decision to become the priesthood was made by him in the fall of 1942. He attended clandestine seminary lessons run by Kraków’s Cardinal Archbishop, Prince AdamSapieha, for two years while continuing to work at the chemical business where he was employed. When Wojtya narrowly escaped being captured by the Nazis during a roundup of able-bodied men and boys in 1944, he took refuge in the archbishop’s residence, where he pretended to be a clergyman.

1. In 1945, the Soviet Union took over as the only occupiers of Poland, displacing the Germans.
2. He opted to say his firstmass at Wawel Cathedral’s subterranean chapel, where he was accompanied by Figlewicz, among the sarcophagi of Polish kings and heroes, including those who had defended national freedom and European Christendom, among other things.
3. John of the Cross, before returning to the United States.
4. Florian in Kraków, where he researched, wrote, and gave lectures on topics including as philosophy, social ethics, and sexual ethics.
5. Poems of the young priest, which were published anonymously, dealt with a wide range of religious, social, and personal issues.

In the open, they celebrated mass at a period when unauthorized worship outside of churches was strictly prohibited by the communist authorities in the Soviet Union Experiences with these individuals influenced the concepts that he developed for his first factual work, Love and Responsibility (1960), which was an investigation of the many opportunities for sexual pleasure present in conjugal sexual relationships.

1. Those who adhered to the old church’s belief that sex should be used purely for the sake of reproduction saw the work as revolutionary.
2. In 1958, Pope Pius XII elevated him to the position of auxiliarybishop of Kraków, Poland.
3. Following his participation in the Second Vatican Council, Wojtyla became acquainted with themes such as the role of the laity, the church’s connections with other religions, and the church’s relations with the secular world.
4. According to some accounts, his study had an impact on Paul VI’s encyclical, Humanae vitae (1968; “Of Human Life”), which rejected artificial contraception and became one of the church”s most disregarded doctrines.

It was also opposed by certain bishops who expressed privately their concern that Wojtya may have made fundamental doctrinal errors on this particular point.

About St. John Paul II

Introduction “Everyone is familiar with Pope John Paul II: his face, his distinctive style of moving and speaking, his immersion in prayer, and his natural happiness. His words have left an indelible impression on us, beginning with the fervent scream with which he welcomed the world into his pontificate: ‘Open wide the doors to Christ, and do not be scared of him!’ Many of his words have become indelible etchings in our minds. Alternatively, consider the following quote: “No one can live a trial life; no one can love experimentally.” It is possible to summarize a whole discourse in a few sentences like this.

As a result, the Church has been given an inestimable gift in the person of Pope John Paul II.

Paul refers to as the “newness of life in Christ,” has been demonstrated by him throughout his life (Cf.

6: 4).

Photograph taken by the Associated Press in Wadowice, Poland, of Karl Józef Wojtyla as a child Photograph taken by the Associated Press in Wadowice, Poland, of Karl Józef Wojtyla as a child Photograph taken by the Associated Press in Wadowice, Poland, of Karl Józef Wojtyla as a child Photograph taken by the Associated Press in Wadowice, Poland, of Karl Józef Wojtyla as a child (Photo courtesy of the CNS) Childhood The death of my mother occurred while I was still a child of nine years old, and I had not yet received my First Holy Communion.

1. — Karol Wojtyla, et al.
2. Despite the fact that he was born into a loving family, his early years were filled with hardship and tragedy.
3. As Lolek to his friends, and growing up under the loving care of his father, he was a bright young man who was athletic, studious, and a great theatrical performer.
4. On May 25, 1929, Karol Józef Wojtyla received his first Communion, as seen in this photograph.
5. (CNS photo)Karol Józef Wojtyla receives his first Communion on May 25, 1929, in this photograph.
6. (CNS photo)Karol Józef Wojtyla receives his first Communion on May 25, 1929, in this photograph.
7. (Source: Catholic News Service/Catholic Press Photo) Earlier this year, a poster for the Studio 39 theatrical group included this photo of a youthful Karol Józef Wójtya.

(Source: Catholic News Service/Catholic Press Photo) Earlier this year, a poster for the Studio 39 theatrical group included this photo of a youthful Karol Józef Wójtya.

(Source: Catholic News Service/Catholic Press Photo) Man in his twenties “My father’s comments were extremely influential because they guided me in the direction of being a sincere worshiper of God.” — Karol Wojtyla, et al.

Day after day, I was able to witness his austere way of life.his example served as a type of home seminary for me, and it served as my first seminary.” — Karol Wojtyla, et al.

Aside from that, he participated in local theater works and was a founding member of the Rhapsodic Theater of Kraków.

John of the Cross, which would later become his life’s work.

His studies were, however, halted when Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, forcing him to abandon them.

The loss of Karol’s father occurred at this period, on February 18, 1941, when he died of a heart attack in his sleep.

He narrates the development of his vocation and the creation of his priestly identity as he goes through this process.

(Photo courtesy of the Catholic News Service)Karol Józef Wojtya is depicted around the time of his ordination as a priest.

(Photo courtesy of the Catholic News Service)Karol Józef Wojtya is depicted around the time of his ordination as a priest.

Priest / Bishop (picture courtesy of the CNS) “As a young priest, I learnt to appreciate human affection.

He subsequently continued his PhD studies in Rome, which he did after that.

Fr.

After teaching at Jagiellonian University for approximately five years and being appointed to the Chair of Ethics at the Catholic University of Lublin, Fr.

The young people who had joined him on several camping and hiking trips were among the first to learn about his election, and they were overjoyed.

He began attending the Second Vatican Council in 1962 and contributed significantly to the Council’s key texts, which were published in 1962.

Soon after, he was promoted to the College of Cardinals, a position he has held since.

Peter’s Basilica following his election, which took place in the evening.

Peter’s Basilica following his election, which took place in the evening.

Peter’s Basilica following his election, which took place in the evening.

Peter’s Basilica following his election, which took place in the evening.

Peter’s Basilica following his election, which took place in the evening.

“Do not be frightened!

Christ is aware of “what is in man.” He is the only one who is aware of it.” on the occasion of his Inaugural Address delivered in St.

As the 263rd successor to Peter, he was to enjoy one of the longest pontificates in the Church’s history, lasting over 27 years, making him the longest-serving pope in the world.

Louis de Montfort and means “I am fully yours,” which he had adopted.

John Paul II immediately embarked on a missionary journey throughout the world, energizing the entire community.

His admiration for young people inspired him to launch World Youth Day, which was celebrated 19 times during his papacy and drew millions of young people from all over the world to the Vatican.

The Pope’s presence on the world stage marked the beginning of the gradual and peaceful removal of Communism from Eastern Europe, the averting of a war between the countries of Chile and Argentina, and the beginning of the restoration of peace and the healing of divisions between the major world religions, among other things.

1. Peter’s Square in 1981, Pope John Paul II is escorted away by aides.
2. Peter’s Square in 1981, Pope John Paul II is escorted away by aides.
3. Peter’s Square in 1981, Pope John Paul II is escorted away by aides.
4. Peter’s Square in 1981, Pope John Paul II is escorted away by aides.
5. Peter’s Square in 1981.
6. Peter’s Square in 1981.

I sensed (the Mother of God’s) tremendous motherly protection and care throughout everything that transpired to me on that day, which proved to be more powerful than the lethal bullet that I was shot with.” John Paul II, Pope of the Roman Catholic Church On May 13, 1981, Pope John Paul II was the target of an attempted murder at St.

1. When he paid a personal visit to his assailant, Ali Agca, at Rebibbia Prison in 1983, he stunned the world by demonstrating tremendous compassion and forgiveness.
2. During 38 official visits and 738 audiences and meetings with heads of state, including two historic speeches at the United Nations and 246 audiences with prime ministers, he continued to engage with a wide range of government leaders.
3. CNS photo courtesy of Arturo Mari of L’Osservatore Romano.
4. CNS photo courtesy of Arturo Mari of L’Osservatore Romano.
5. Papal assassin Mehmet Ali Agca, seated with Pope John Paul II in Rome’s Rebibbia jail in 1983.
6. Papal assassin Mehmet Ali Agca, seated with Pope John Paul II in Rome’s Rebibbia jail in 1983.
7. The Pope, in an undated shot by Vatican photographer Arturo Mari for L’Osservatore Romano, strolls down a gravel road.

Vatican photographer Arturo Mari took this undated shot of Pope John Paul II walking along a gravel path.

Vatican photographer Arturo Mari took this undated shot of Pope John Paul II walking along a gravel path.

Vatican photographer Arturo Mari took this undated shot of Pope John Paul II walking along a gravel path.

Vatican photographer Arturo Mari took this undated shot of Pope John Paul II walking along a gravel path.

(CNS photo courtesy of L’Osservatore Romano) The legacy A true culture of freedom can be built in the next century and millennium, with the assistance of God’s grace, to counter the fear that pervades human existence at the end of the twentieth century.

We have the ability and the obligation to do so!” — Pope John Paul II, at a speech to the United Nations General Assembly The theological legacy of Pope John Paul II is one of the most extensive in the history of the Church.

St.

The number of apostolic letters he wrote was 45.

He beatified 1,338 persons and canonized 482 saints as a result of his focus on the universal vocation to holiness, which is more than all of the popes in the past 500 years combined, a record.

During a visit to Jerusalem in 2000, Pope John Paul II met with officials from the Jewish and Muslim communities.

In the year 2000, Pope John Paul II met with Jewish and Muslim leaders in Jerusalem.

In the year 2000, Pope John Paul II met with Jewish and Muslim leaders in Jerusalem.

(CNS picture by Arturo Mari, L’Osservatore Romano) CNS photo courtesy of Arturo Mari of L’Osservatore Romano.

Peter’s Basilica.

Over the course of two millennia, Pope John Paul II prayed both for the pardon of God and for the forgiveness of those who had been injured by the misdeeds of Christians down the centuries.

He has issued an invitation to these organizations to engage in international prayer sessions for peace on a number of occasions.

He was persuaded that the Church would obtain strength and refreshment, even in the face of the immense difficulties of mankind encountered in the previous century, by drawing close the Heart of Christ in the Eucharist.

(John Paul II,Ecclesia de Eucharistia, 2003).

John Paul II with his entire life, became increasingly understandable to the rest of the world, as well as to the Church.

John XXIII and John Paul II at St.

(CNS photo courtesy of Paul Haring) April 27 marks the canonization of Sts.

Peter’s Square at the Vatican, which will be attended by Pope Francis and his entourage.

John XXIII and John Paul II at St.

(CNS photo courtesy of Paul Haring) April 27 marks the canonization of Sts.

Peter’s Square at the Vatican, which will be attended by Pope Francis and his entourage.

John XXIII and John Paul II at St.

(CNS photo courtesy of Paul Haring) Death and Beatification “Death itself is anything but an occurrence without hope.

Hundreds of thousands of young people gathered beneath the papal apartment’s window, holding candlelight vigils during the pope’s final agony, heard John Paul II whisper in response, “I have sought you, and you have come to me.” “Thank you very much.” Pope John Paul II passed away at 9:37 p.m.

A total of more than three million pilgrims flocked to Rome to pay their respects to the Pope, with some waiting in line for more than 24 hours to offer prayers of thankfulness to their beloved Pope.

On May 1, 2011, Pope Benedict XVI beatified Pope John Paul II, and on April 27, 2014, Pope Francis canonized Pope John Paul II with Saint John XXIII, bringing the total number of saints to nine.

It is certain that our beloved Pope is currently standing outside the Father’s house, that he sees us, and that he blesses us. In 2005, Pope Benedict XVI presided over the funeral Mass for Pope John Paul II, which took place on April 8.

St. John Paul II: patron saint of the family

St. John Paul II, the beloved pope who is now a saint, made significant contributions to the Church’s teachings on marriage and family, bringing a wealth of knowledge and wisdom to the table. Karol Wojtyla was born on May 18, 1920, in Warsaw, Poland, and was ordained a priest in 1946. His adolescent years were characterized by the rule and cruelty of the Third Reich.

Philosophy of personalism

Because of his pious Catholic upbringing, Wojtyla chose to educate his intellect via poetry and plays rather of resorting to violence himself. He later became interested in philosophical questions, notably in the field of personalism. According to Wojtyla’s personalism, the human person is regarded as a unique entity created by God, endowed with free will, intellect, and the ability to reason, among other attributes. If elected pope, he will advocate for a “theological rebirth based on the individualistic essence of man.” His works as a priest and subsequently as Pope make use of this intellectual foundation in a number of ways.

Theology of the Body

These would serve as the framework for a bigger, more developed book that he would produce when he was Pope, today known as Theology of the Body, which spans 129 Wednesday audiences and was completed while he was Pope. Perhaps the most significant addition to Church teachings on marriage has been this study, which largely examines the meaning of the body in Genesis, the new meaning given to the body by Jesus Christ, and the sacramental importance associated with marriage. What is it about St.

It was his focus on the importance of the human person that inspired him to write in his Letter to Families in 1994: “The family is in fact a community of individuals whose rightful manner of existing and living together is communion:communio personarum” (7).

Given that Pope John Paul II is a philosopher and a circular writer, it is not always simple to decipher what he is trying to convey.

Works by St. John Paul II

He Created Man and Woman in His Image: A Theology of the Body (2011, Pauline Press) Affiliation of family members (encyclical letter, 1981) Families are invited to read this letter (1994) Karol Wojtyla’s novel, Love and Responsibility, is set in Poland (translated 2013)

Resources for reference

Introducing Theology of the Body as a Subject of Study (DVD series by Christopher West, 2008) It is written by Mary Healy and is titled Men and Women are from Eden: A Study Guide to Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body (2005) Theology of the Body in Context: The Origins and Development of the Human Body written by William E. May (2010) Jason Evert’s Theology of His Body/Theology of Her Body is a book about theology of the body (2009) Veronica Arntz is a student intern in the MarriageFamily Program at the Diocese of Madison’s Office of Evangelization and Catechesis.

She will be a junior at Wyoming Catholic College in Lander, Wyoming, where she plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and sciences.

Memorial of St. John Paul II, Pope

Optional Memorial Service on October 22nd. White is the liturgical color. Patron The patron saint of World Youth Day A pope for the ages creates the greatest possible impression by being fully prepared and possessing every talent. After 33 years had passed since the black cloud of communism descended over Eastern Europe, on a clear autumn night across Poland, heavy bells started to ring in their towering towers, signaling the beginning of another chapter in history. Their clangs echoed down the valleys, thundered through the town squares, and reverberated off the walls of every building in the metropolis.

• Songs, candles, and prayers are all part of the experience.
• Is it possible that this is true?
• The seemingly impossible has become a reality!
• Edward Zacher, a priest in the town of Wadowice, was rendered speechless by emotion.
• In the wee hours of the morning, he cautiously unlocked the parish’s sacramental record.
• Carolus Joseph Wojtya is a Polish writer and poet.
• The dates of Karol’s Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, Priestly and Episcopal Ordination, and consecration as Cardinal were all correctly recorded in the register, which was written in Latin.

He was as prepared as any other man had been for the position of Pope.

He was a man of many talents.

Never before had a conclave of Cardinals taken a more audacious and wiser decision.

The guy and the times were a perfect combination.

A large list of accomplishments may be found in the life of John Paul II, both before and after his election as pope.

He wrote extensively on a wide range of topics, including Saint Mary, the Trinity, the social doctrines of the Church, suffering, Christ, work, moral theology, philosophy, and on and on.

His own life story was very intriguing to listen to.

He understood what it was like to be humiliated on a personal level, to be on the verge of death, and to be forced into hiding.

He had a profound understanding of what the Church represented to the rest of the world.

This worldwide ministry became an indelible aspect of every pope’s profile once John Paul II established it.

A simple Mexican peasant’s religiosity was combined with the elegance of an intelligent German professor’s intellect.

On May 13, 1981, he was nearly slain by an assassin’s bullet, but he managed to live just barely.

On the night of April 2, 2005, when tens of thousands of people gathered in prayerful vigil outside his window in Saint Peter’s Square, this behemoth, this father to the world, this Moses to the Slavs, passed away.

Saint Peter’s Basilica, where he is buried in a side nave, was declared a canonized saint in 2014.

Encourage all Christians to use their gifts to God’s use in order to assist in the conversion of others to Christ and His Church.

Franciscan Media is a Wikipedia entry.

All Saints for the Purposes of the Liturgical Year JanuaryFebruaryMarch Holy Week is a time when people get together to remember those who have died.

During the Easter Season, there are several feasts that take place in April and May. JuneJulyAugustSeptember OctoberNovember December Calendars from all across the world are included as well. Saints from A–Z

Blessed John Paul II to become patron saint of World Youth Day

Catholic World News is a publication that publishes news from throughout the world. The 7th of February, 2014 When Pope Francis canonizes Blessed John Paul II on Divine Mercy Sunday, he will also designate him as the patron saint of World Youth Day, according to the Vatican’s official newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano. According to Pope Francis, in his address for the 29th World Youth Day, which will be held on Palm Sunday at the Vatican, “the canonization of Pope John Paul II, which will be celebrated on the Second Sunday of Easter, will be an occasion distinguished by enormous pleasure.” In addition, Pope Francis stated that “He will be the great patron of the World Youth Days, which he established and has always supported.” “I am confident that he will continue to be a father and friend to you all in the communion of saints.” In 1985, Pope John Paul II announced the establishment of World Youth Day, which was celebrated the following year for the first time.

There are international meetings interspersed among the Palm Sunday gatherings at the Vatican; the next worldwide celebration will be held in Krakow, Poland, in 2016; Visit our News home page for the most up-to-date information.

• The good news is that Pope Giovanni Paolo II will be named patron of the gmg (according to the Roman newspaper L’Osservatore Romano). Blessed are the poor in spirit, because it is theirs that the kingdom of heaven belongs” (Mt 5:3), according to Pope Francis in his message for the 29th World Youth Day in 2014 (Holy See)
• In his address for World Youth Day, Pope Francis encourages young people to find real pleasure in poverty (CWN, 2/6).

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Our Patron, SAINT John Paul II

It was decided in 2012 that the feast day of SAINT JOHN PAUL II will be celebrated on the 22nd of October. The materials listed below are a subset of the Vatican’s resources for daily Mass on that particular Feast Day. The following is taken from the Vatican’s website:

CONGREGATION FOR DIVINE WORSHIP AND THE DISCIPLINE OF THE SACRAMENTS

Charles Joseph Wotjtya was born in the Polish town of Wadowice in 1920. In the years after his ordination to the priesthood and theological studies in Rome, he returned to his own country to pursue a variety of pastoral and academic responsibilities. He rose through the ranks to become the first auxiliary bishop and, in 1964, the Archbishop of Krakow, and he participated in the Second Vatican Council. On the 16th of October in 1978, he was elected Pope and given the name John Paul II to represent him.

Of the many fruits he has left as a legacy to the Church, the most notable are his extensive Magisterium and the promulgation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, in addition to the Code of Canon Law for the Latin Church and the Code of Canon Law for the Eastern Churches, which are both available online.

He passed away quietly in the Lord on April 2, 2005, in Rome, on the eve of the Second Sunday of Easter (also known as the Sunday of Divine Mercy).

Common of Pastors: For a Pope.

Taken from the Inaugural Address of Pope John Paul II, delivered on the occasion of his election to the papacy (22 October 1978: AAS 70, 945-947) Do not be intimidated. Open the doors wide for Christ to come in. Peter made his way to Rome! What else could have directed him and brought him to this city, which was the epicenter of the Roman Empire, but devotion to the inspiration he received from the Lord? Perhaps the fishermen from Galilee were apprehensive about coming here. Perhaps he would have liked to remain on the banks of Lake Genesareth, with his boat and his nets, rather than travel further afield.

• In accordance with an old narrative, Peter attempted to flee Rome during Nero’s persecution of the Christians.
• Peter approached him and inquired.
• It is imperative that we fix our focus on the Lord at this time and immerse ourselves in modest and devoted meditation on the mystery of the almighty power of Christ himself, as our moment beckons, urges, and requires us to do so.
• The Second Vatican Council has reminded us of the mystery of this authority, as well as of the truth that Christ’s ministry as Priest, Prophet-Teacher, and King continues in the Church till the end of the world.

It is possible that the tiara, that triple crown, was placed on the Pope’s head in the past in order to signify by that symbol the Lord’s plan for his Church, namely that all of Christ’s hierarchical order, all “sacred power” exercised in the Church, is nothing other than service, service with a single purpose: to ensure that the entire People of God shares in this threefold mission of Christ and is always under the power of the Lord; a power that has its He answers to the entire depths of the human being, as well as his loftiest desires in terms of intellect, will, and heart, via the absolute and yet lovely and gentle might of the Lord.

1. It does not communicate in the language of coercion, but rather in the language of mercy and truth.
2. Make me a servant, even the servant of your servants, and I will be grateful.
3. Assistance to the Pope and all those who seek to serve Christ and, through Christ’s power, to serve the human person and the entire human race is requested.
4. To open the doors for Christ, I say open them wide.
5. Do not be intimidated.
6. In this day and age, man is frequently unaware of what is within him, what is hidden deep within his mind and heart.
7. He is besieged by uncertainty, and this doubt quickly develops into despair for him.
8. He is the only one who holds the words of life, yes, the words of eternal life.
9. The power of the Cross has been shown to us by the Redeemer of mankind, who has offered his life in our place.
10. V/.
11. * Open, open wide the doors for Christ.

Please grant us the grace, we beseech you, that we may be guided by his teaching to open our hearts to the saving grace of Christ, the only Redeemer of mankind. Who has life and reigned.

Saint John Paul II, Patron of Labor

Contributed by Bro. Anthony Zuba On October 22, the Catholic Church commemorated the death and resurrection of Pope John Paul II. Pope Francis canonized John Paul II, who served as pope from 1978 to 2005, and made him a saint in 2014. He was the first pope to be so honored. His contribution to the ever-growing corpus of Catholic social theology, to which we have recourse, is particularly pertinent at this time, as religious socialists commemorate his life and work. A total of three of Pope John Paul II’s encyclical writings dealt directly with social issues.

Italics are used in the original text to emphasize certain points.

This exact inversion of the established order, regardless of the program or term under which it occurs, should be appropriately referred to be “capitalism.” (LE7) The socialization of some production methods under appropriate conditions cannot be ruled out in light of the availability of human labor and widespread access to items intended for human use.

This is the perspective that supports the exclusive right to private ownership of the means of production as an untouchable “dogma” of economic activity.

Proposals for joint ownership of the means of production, participation by workers in the management and/or profits of businesses, so-called labor shareholding, and other similar initiatives are among the many that have been put forward by experts in Catholic social teaching and by the highest Magisterium of the Church that have taken on particular significance.

First and foremost, what John Paul refers to as capitalism is founded on a fundamental misunderstanding of human nature.

Any attempt to treat human work as if it were only a piece of property must be rejected.

And this brings us to our next point.

Instead, his personal experience with Communist dictatorship and the state’s administration of human labor—which was inefficient at best and criminal and even murderous at worst—enabled him to suggest a democratic alternative: the right to work.

Socialization can only occur when the subject character of society is secured, that is, when each individual is completely allowed to consider himself a part-owner of the big workbench at which he is working alongside his or her fellow citizens.

(LE14).

If by democratic socialism we mean an ever-widening division of ownership of the means of production among an ever-increasing number of workers, then John Paul has hit the nail on the head with this one.

His next social encyclical, Sollicitudo rei socialis (The Social Concern), published in 1987, emphasized the importance of objectively establishing human growth in the context of social morality.

Neither the failed Marxist state nor the free market economy were able to satisfy the deepest longings of humankind in their respective ways.

He had a sneaking suspicion that Marxism was being employed for more than just social analysis, which was important for Christian social action.

Gutierrez was one of these theologians.

He can be excused for having reservations about the concept of collectivization.

However, let us acknowledge that there are concordances between liberation theology and Pope John Paul II’s teaching on the meaning and goals of human labor, which we will discuss later.

The failure of their bishops to place the safety of children and vulnerable adults above the protection of church power has caused widespread fury among Catholics in recent years, and with good reason.

In this time of sorrow, I am inspired by the affirmation of the dignity of the human person and the call for profound reform made by ordinary Catholics in their communities.

Indeed, we should be offended by the inability of the top priests of capitalism to place the prosperity and safety of workers above the preservation of property and profits, which should be a source of fury for everyone.

We should take heart from Pope John Paul II, a (flawed) saint and ally of laborers and entrepreneurs. Bro. Anthony Zuba is a Capuchin Franciscan friar serving in the ministry of the Church of the Good Shepherd, a Catholic parish in the New York City borough of Queens.