Canada marks first edition of Pope John Paul II Day

(Vatican Radio) During Wednesday’s Pope Francis recalled the tenth anniversary of the death of St. John Paul II, taking place today.

“We remember him as a great witness to Christ in His suffering, death and resurrection, and invoke his intercession for us, for the family, for the Church, so that the light of resurrection may shine over all the shadows of our life and fill us with joy and peace”.

Saint John Paul was recognized worldwide for his tremendous work promoting human dignity and freedom. Among the many nations honouring the life of the great saint, Canada is celebrating the first edition of “John Paul II Day,” following the Parliament of Canada’s enactment of this special commemorative day in December 2014.

Canada’s ambassador to the Holy See, Dennis Savoie, said, “Saint John Paul has a special importance for Canada: he was the first Pope to ever visit Canada.”

First visit to Canada

“We all remember that trip in 1984,” the ambassador said. “It was an extended trip, 11 days, which included every part of Canada, including the Northwest Territories, which unfortunately he couldn’t get to at the time… but he did promise to come back, and he did! In 1987 he came back to complete his 1984 trip.

Promoting human dignity, working to end Communism

Ambassador Savoie said Canada’s “John Paul II Day” recognizes Saint John Paul II’s “tremendous work in favour of human dignity and human freedom.” The Act establishing the Day “specifically cites the role that he played in promoting international understanding and peace.” Parliament also spoke about how St John Paul “inspired young people to live the teaching of Christ.”

St John Paul’s “tremendous contribution to ending Communism’s grip on freedom in Eastern Europe,” was another important aspect of the Pope’s legacy. “I think history is pretty clear on that point,” the Ambassador said.

Religious freedom

The Canadian ambassador noted that his country has made religious freedom a diplomatic priority. “I’m particularly pleased that we are marking his memory with this very special day, for a very special Pope who did so much at that particular time for religious freedom and freedom in general.”

Listen to the full interview of Ambassador Dennis Savoie with Christopher Wells: