If you have a moment, please take a look at my most recent column for The Long Island Catholic. It is a remembrance of Pope John Paul II's visit to New York when I was an eleven year old girl and all he meant to people our age--the "John Paul II generation."
On this third anniversary of his death, we pray for the repose of the soul of our beloved "Papa" and ask him to help us as we raise a new generation of young Catholics ready to uphold and embrace our blessed faith.
Before long, Pope Benedict XVI will be in the United States to bless us with his presence. If you are interested in preparing your children for his historic visit, take a look at Pflaum's website for a wonderful array of activities. It seems only yesterday that Pflaum's materials formed a portion of the Pope John Paul II Memorial notebook project my children and I began working on only a week after our Holy Father's death. The plans and helpful discussion surrounding them may still be found at the 4Real Message Board.
Rest in peace, dearest Papa. We love you.
Pope John Paul II walks the field at Shea Stadium (you will note the sunshine on his head--a reminder of how completely the rain stopped for his entrance). This image was taken from The Queens Tribune.
A wonderful article, Alice. That must have been so exciting to see him when you were so young.
We went to the mass in Giants Stadium in the 1990s. It rained then too - but we weren't allowed umbrellas. But what a tremendous and powerful experience.
I wish I could take our children to one of the masses this time - but our parish got something like three tickets.
Posted by: Christine M | April 02, 2008 at 02:32 PM
A remarkably beautiful article, Alice. I too remember when our beloved Papa visited us in Alaska when I was eight years old. I have the photograph of him on that very day in the drawer of my nightstand. :)
Posted by: Kristen L. | April 02, 2008 at 05:45 PM
Beautiful Alice. This has been on my mind all day - my heart aches every time I see a photo. I can only look for a second.
Posted by: Jennifer | April 03, 2008 at 12:08 AM
It's beautiful, Alice, as was he. Pray for us, Papa.
Posted by: Karen Edmisten | April 03, 2008 at 12:15 AM
May an outsider comment on how inspiring you Catholic folk are? I remember the first time I went to Catholic mass, I was overcome with the sense of love that filled the cathedral - the middle of a week day, and yet all these people had come to church; big men with tattoos, elegant young women, children. All so obviously filled with a true love for their faith. And when I read things like your beautiful article Alice, and the comments people have left here, I see that love again shining through. Popes come and go, but John Paul II really was a perfect Catholic, and so he was always You were indeed blessed in him, but really it seems to me all of you bless your church. Your loving devotion brings tears to my eyes.
Which is all quite ridiculously off-topic, but it struck me so strongly, I just had to write it! Sorry!
Posted by: patience | April 03, 2008 at 02:06 AM
Oops, a sentence got cut out. That's what comes of blabbing on! I actually wrote "John Paul II really was a perfect Catholic, and so he was always illuminated by that love."
Sorry again!
Posted by: patience | April 03, 2008 at 02:07 AM
I read your article right away when the paper arrived yesterday, Alice. Beautiful reflection.
Posted by: Jeannine | April 03, 2008 at 08:52 AM
This recollection and your article are simply divine, I know I say that alot, but it's so true of you dear sweet Alice!!!
Posted by: Meredith | April 03, 2008 at 10:34 AM
What a sweet remembrance. I also saw JPII that year when he celebrated Mass on the mall in Washington DC during the same trip (I was 15). Amazing wasn't it? Thanks for triggering the memories tonight.
Posted by: Mary M | April 03, 2008 at 11:34 PM
Lovely memories of such a memorable moment. What a blessing!
Posted by: Kimberlee | April 04, 2008 at 01:13 PM
Oh Alice! I knew that you'd rescue me. My family is extremely blessed to have received 4 tickets to the attend the Papal Mass in Washington D.C through our parish lottery system. This is the first sighting of a Pope for Mom, Dad & the kids. We're so excited to be able to share the Mass with my 5 year old and my 3 year old. I came to your site hoping to find link to some great online educational materials for my kids. Now, I'm leaving with the grand idea of making a Papal Visit Notebook. I can't wait to share that one with some future grandchildren. We will keep your family's intentions in our prayers on April 17th! Many blessings,
Abby
Posted by: Abigail | April 04, 2008 at 11:17 PM