When Blessed John Paul II beatified John XXIII, the pope with prophetic insight
(Vatican Radio) Curiously when Pope Francis canonises Blessed John Paul II on Sunday
he'll also be canonising a man who was beatified by this very pope, John XXIII !
Veronica
Scarisbrick brings you the words of Blessed John Paul II on the occasion of that
beatification which took place on September 3, 2000:
Listen:
"Today
we contemplate in the Glory of the Lord another Pontiff, John XXIII, the Pope who
impressed the world with the friendliness of his manner which radiated the remarkable
goodness of his soul.
Everyone remembers the image of Pope John's smiling
face and his outstretched arms embracing the whole world. How many people were won
over by his simplicity of heart, combined with a broad experience of people and things!
The breath of newness he brought certainly did not concern doctrine, but rather the
way to explain it; his style of speaking and acting was new, as was his friendly approach
to ordinary people and to the powerful of the world.
It was in this spirit
that he called the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, thereby turning a new page in
the Church's history: Christians heard themselves called to proclaim the Gospel with
renewed courage and greater attentiveness to the "signs" of the times. The Council
was a truly prophetic insight of this elderly Pontiff who, even amid many difficulties,
opened a season of hope for Christians and for humanity.
In the last moments
of his earthly life, he entrusted his testament to the Church: "What counts the most
in life is blessed Jesus Christ, his holy Church, his Gospel, truth and goodness".
We too wish to receive this testament, as we glorify God for having given him to us
as a Pastor.