The Sainthood of JPII

On this the second anniversary of the death of our Beloved Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, I have decided to write a short reflection on him, and discuss some of what has been happening in his cause for canonization.

John Paul II was the only Pope I ever knew. As I made my way back to the faith, he really became a great symbol of the Church in my life. He really was the shepherd of the flock of Christ. He was an extremely charismatic figure, even in his late years. His teachings and writings were exactly what the Church needed, tempering the "spirit of Vatican II" and bringing forth and reflecting on the Truth that the Council taught.

I prayed for him to the end, and was saddened to see him go. Yet, I knew he was heading to be closer to God, it was clear in his final years that he was destined to spend eternity with Christ.

Now, two years have passed, and he is that much closer to being declared a Saint. I word it this way because I truly believe that he is right now a Saint, in Heaven with our Lord, continuing to watch over the flock entrusted to him.

Recently, the initial study of his life and death has been concluded by the Diocese of Rome, and is therefore being forwarded to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. They will review the material, and draft a document outlining the ways John Paul II lived a life of heroic virtue. They will also be reviewing a possible miracle, relating to a Nun who was cured of Parkinson's disease, of which the former Pope ailed. If this and another miracle are approved, the Canonization can be made.

This leaves only one question remaining. What will we call him? He was called John Paul II for quite a long time. Will he be Pope St. John Paul, Pope St. John Paul II, just St. John Paul or St. John Paul II? Maybe we will even begin using St. John Paul the Great. This is one question only time will answer for us.

-JG