Servants of the Servant

“The greatest symbol of this harmony was the historic visit made by the late Pope John Paul II to Syria in 2001. Driving his popemobile through the narrow streets of old Damascus, he waved to the assembled crowds that were chanting, “We love you, John Paul II.” They were a combination of Muslims and Christians.”

Full story.

This is a wonderful example of an activity that prayer groups can start in your own Church: 

“Adults can join a Bible study based on Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 17102 Spring Mill Road.”

Full story.

While spending a little time the other day re-reading the book “Rise, Let Us Be On Our Way” by Pope John Paul II (2004, Warner Books), I came upon a great quote about how he felt about Saints:

“From on high they intercede for the Church that she may grow in communion through the action of the Holy Spirit, who inspires the practice of fraternal charity: “Exactly as Christian communion between men on their earthly pilgrimage brings us closer to Christ, so our community with the saints joins us to Christ, from whom as from its fountain and head issues all grace and the life of the People of God itself” (Lumen Gentium, 50).”

I think this is a wonderful insight on how we, in our devotion to JPII, should approach what our prayer groups are “for”.  Instead of a personal devotion to JPII, he himself showed us that in his Sainthood he desires to intercede for the CHURCH first and foremost.  Prayer groups should follow this example and make sure that their respective groups to not become closed-off from the Church, but seek to nourish others in their community and thus build communion through the intercession of Servant of God Pope John Paul II.  I am sure that it is his hope that devotion to him only serves to lead others to a closer devotion to Christ and the Church. 

John Paul, pray for us.

To all Servants of the Servant members, friends, families, and the People of God, I wish you and yours a merry Christmas.

John Paul pray for us.

A. Scott Woodill 

 ”You will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger (Lk 2:12).
The Child laid in a lowly manger: this is God’s sign. The centuries and the millennia pass, but the sign remains, and it remains valid for us too – the men and women of the third millennium. It is a sign of hope for the whole human family; a sign of peace for those suffering from conflicts of every kind; a sign of freedom for the poor and oppressed; a sign of mercy for those caught up in the vicious circle of sin; a sign of love and consolation for those who feel lonely and abandoned.
A small and fragile sign, a humble and quiet sign, but one filled with the power of God who out of love became man.

Lord Jesus, together with the shepherds
we draw near to your Crib.
We contemplate you, wrapped in swaddling cloths
and lying in the manger.

O Babe of Bethlehem,
we adore you in silence with Mary,
your ever-Virgin Mother.
To you be glory and praise for ever,
Divine Saviour of the World! Amen.

(From the Homily of the Holy Father at Midnight Mass 24 December 2002)

“Financial problems are threatening the completion of a Warsaw church meant to commemorate the late Pope John Paul II and the fall of communism.”

 Full story.

Full story.

“Making NFP Relevant: CCL enlists revitalized presentation and JPII in new program.”

Full story. 

“Pope John Paul II called the Carmelite spirituality a treasure for the whole Christian community. Mindful of that, Carmelite leaders have found a way to put their charism online.”

Full story.

Direct to Carmelite Site.

A British citizen who has spent the last twenty years on death row is to be set free.

“Richey’s case has drawn support from members of the British Parliament and the late Pope John Paul II.”

Full story.

Backround.

The Polish Bishop’s Conference recently wrote a letter to their country’s parliament in opposition to in vitro fertilization procedures.

“In their message to Polish lawmakers, the bishops brought up yet another argument, invoking the popularity of the late Pope John Paul II and reminding the parliamentarians that the Polish Pontiff opposed in vitro fertilization.”

Full article here.

I recently set up a new website dedicated to assisting new JPII prayer groups.

Please check it out: www.benotafraid.faithweb.com

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us in regard to Saints:

“Their intercession is their most exalted service to God’s plan. We can and should ask them to intercede for us and for the whole world.” (#2683)

As evidenced by the miracle cure of Sister Marie-Simon-Pierre, John Paul II can be a powerful part of all the basic forms of prayer: blessing, petition, intercession, thanksgiving, and praise.

While not yet OFFICIALLY recognized by the Holy Catholic Church as a Saint, our certainty that JP is in heaven with Christ allows our private devotion to him.

Ask our beloved friend John Paul to intercede on your behalf, and through grace uniting us to Christ in active love…

YOU MIGHT BE HIS NEXT MIRACLE.

I have had a link to this page since I started this blog, but I thought it was important that maybe more people would visit.

The site has many great areas: a biography, the official text of the Edict, testimony from the nun who was miraculously cured by JPII, and a way request a holy card.

Please explore this wonderful site dedicated to Servant of God Pope John Paul II:

Cause for Beatification and Canonization