Pope John Paul II
by Andrew from Austin
"The future starts today, not tomorrow." - Pope John Paul II
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| Pope John Paul II (www.catholic.org ()) |
When I think of the person who has had the most impact on my life, but also whom I myself have never met, I think of Saint John Paul II. I chose Saint John Paul II because, to me, he embodies a true peacemaker and someone who has fought against evil. I cannot think of someone more loving, courageous, and selfless than John Paul II. He fought against the evils of communism and did so in such a nonviolent way that it can be seen as admirable from anyone. He is the perfect role-model for a modern Catholic and a modern human being. As a Catholic myself, his traits of faith, hope, love, and courage are things I want to be prominent in my faith life. His reverence for God and for others inspires me to treat all people with respect and dignity, as my faith calls me to do.
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| Karol Wojtyla hiking in the mountains. (https://ucsocietyofsaintpaul.wordpress.com ()) |
Saint Pope John Paul II was born as Karol Wojtyla in Poland on May 18, 1920. When he was going to college at Jagiellonian University of Krakow, Nazi forces closed down his school, forcing Karol to work as a miner and later as a chemical worker to avoid being deported to Germany. Karol felt the call to the priesthood during this time, and began to study at the seminary, where he was directed by the archbishop. In his spare time, Karol took part in organizing plays with the Rhapsodic Theatre. After World War II, Karol finished his discernment in a new seminary until his ordination on November 1, 1946. Once he was a priest, Father Wojtyla was sent to earn a doctorate in theology in Rome. He then wrote many dissertations on theology, and was eventually ordained as auxiliary bishop of Krakow. As bishop, Wojtyla took part in the Second Text Box: Karol Wojtyla climbing a mountain, one of his favorite pastimes.Vatican Council, and was elected Pope on October 16, 1978 under the name John Paul II. As Pope, John Paul II wrote many encyclicals and other theological books, and he convened many meeting for the Synod of Bishops. Much of Saint John Paul II's work as Pope was directed at preventing the spread of communism, an enormous force during the years of the Cold War. On May 3, 1981 someone made an attempt to assassinate the Pope in St. Peter's Square. After surviving being shot, Saint John Paul II met and forgave the man who tried to kill him. Saint John Paul II attracted many young people to the faith by participating in events such as World Youth Day. In addition, he met with more people personally than any other pope. On April 2, 2005, Saint John Paul II died, and on May 11, 2011, Pope John Paul II was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI, his successor.
Page created on 9/3/2015 12:00:00 AM
Last edited 9/3/2015 12:00:00 AM
The beliefs, viewpoints and opinions expressed in this hero submission on the website are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs, viewpoints and opinions of The MY HERO Project and its staff.
Bibliography
Walsh, Mary Ann. "The Life and Ministry of Saint John Paul II." [Online] Available http://www.usccb.org/about/leadership/holy-see/john-paul-ii/. Walsh.
Felak, James Ramon. "Pope John Paul II, the Saints, and Communist Poland: The Papal Pilgrimages of 1979 and 1983.." Catholic Historical . 2014.
