Special Edition

Mother Mary Elizabeth Moore, OCD

METRO AREA –Pope John Paul II's impact and legacy as seen by those in religious life is reflected by comments from the provincial of the Congregation of Sisters of St. Felix of Cantalice (Felicians), the prioress of the Discalced Carmelites, and the regional of the Sisters of Mary Reparatrix.

"I think he will be remembered for his ministry of presence – not only his physical presence , but through his encyclicals, his sermons and other writings," said Sr. Renetta Rumpz, CSSF, provincial of the Livonia province of Felician Sisters.

She also cited the late pontiff's tremendous ability to reach a broad spectrum of people – "from the highest dignitaries to the poorest people."

The fact that Pope John Paul was from Poland also resonated with Felicians, whose order originated in Poland and who mostly are of Polish heritage. "He's really a model to us, and like our foundress, (Bl.) Mother Angela, who had the courage in the 19th century to bring our sisters to the United States, he had the courage to take his ministry to so many other countries," Sr. Rumpz said.

The late pontiff will be considered one of the great figures in the history of the Church, in the view of Mother Mary Elizabeth Moore, OCD, prioress of the Discalced Carmelites' Monastery of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus in Clinton Township. "I think he's going to be a model to the Church, and especially to those in religious life, of total dedication to God and to others," she said.

"I also think his contributions to humanism have helped those of us in religious life to understand the importance of the person – the unique value of each person, even in religious life – and the unique contribution a person can make to the community and to the Church," Mother Moore continued.

In addition, she said Pope John Paul's emphasis on dialogue within the Church has changed the way many religious communities function. "I know I have been influenced by him in the way I serve as prioress and in dealing with our sisters," Mother Moore added.

Pope John Paul's Polish origin and subsequent international travels as pope highlighted the international dimension of the Church, said Sr. Margaret Hoey, SMR, regional for the Sisters of Mary Reparatrix based in Riverview.

"Also, his love for the youth and his reaching out to the youth were really remarkable," she continued, adding that the response by young people was equally impressive. "It really appears he was able to establish reciprocal bonds, and the youth were glad to be with him," she said.

Sr. Hoey added that Pope John Paul "helped us to broaden our perspective on respect for life – he certainly spoke out on behalf of the unborn, but also for the dying, the vulnerable, the aged and the infirm, as well as against capital punishment."