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Memories of Pope John Paul II
Memories of Pope John Paul II were collected through a special email account and from The Michigan Catholic Newspaper. Published memories may have been edited.
April 15, 2005
Fr. Edward Prus, retired priest
"He was a true pastoral person. He went where the people were – and he went to be with them. He was a person of integrity and he died the way he lived knowing a person had value up to the end. more ...
April 15, 2005
Bernie Kerbawy, St. Alan Parish, Troy
"I was blessed to go to his Silverdome Mass when he came to Detroit, and also to be there when he celebrated Mass in Merida, Mexico. Both times I had just a very strong sense of God's love for me. Besides these two most significant experiences, I've been wonderfully fed by his writings."
April 15, 2005
Beverly Lemle, St. Elizabeth Parish, Detroit
"He was a parish priest and a shepherd to his flock. I live in Detroit. When he came to town, he showed his humility and the fact that he is for the small people. His healing through his own physical grief is in a way a symbol of the healing we're going through in this city…He was a man for our times. He not just came to our city; he went around the world to let the faithful know that he's with us and he represents Jesus…His spirit will still live on."
April 15, 2005
Sr. Donna Markham, OP, prioress, Adrian Dominican Congregation
"Pope John Paul's efforts to foster a peaceful move away from communism in Eastern Europe will be long remembered. His commitment to peace across the world serves as an inspiration to all women and men of good will, regardless of religion."
April 15, 2005
Patricia Rennie, dean, Institute for Ministry, Sacred Heart Major Seminary
"A profound image of the Holy Father that has stayed with me through the years is that of him visiting prison to meet and embrace the young Turk who had attempted to assassinate him. more ...
April 15, 2005
Terese Schroeder, National Shrine of the Little Flower, Royal Oak
"He was just a tremendous example of intellect and courage and heart, and he carried that out through his faith. He'll probably affect me even more now in his death, because as we grow older our faith grows in texture and depth and understanding."
April 15, 2005
Warren Schweikhart, Christ the Good Shepherd Parish, Lincoln Park
"He has impacted my life quite a bit. I'm a converted Catholic. In 1989, my wife and I had the good fortune of seeing him. As he came by, he blessed us – that was a crowning symbol of my whole being. He has been a man for everyone, young and old."
April 15, 2005
Saulius Simoliunas, St. Anthony (Lithuanian) Parish, Detroit
"I am Lithuanian. He came at the right time and he appointed bishops that were very, very necessary for the rebuilding of the country."
April 15, 2005
Fr . Gerard L. Stockhausen, SJ, president, University of Detroit Mercy
"By galvanizing the peaceful opposition in the "eastern bloc" nations, Pope John Paul II played a key role in the downfall of communism that brought us great hope that a more peaceful world is possible. "However, through his calmness in the face of sickness and approaching death, Pope John Paul II provided a strong reminder that our lives are not lived for this world only, but that our true home awaits us in the arms of our God who is 'Rich in Mercy.'"
April 15, 2005
Iwona Szabat, Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish, Sterling Heights
My life is much better because of him – my faith is stronger, and my son's faith is stronger. I think his message has been important, and he's been very good for everybody.
April 15, 2005
Jamie Yousif, Prince of Peace Parish, West Bloomfield Township
"I remember watching him celebrate Mass on television at Christmas 2003, and just experiencing a feeling of joy. He was sitting there praying for peace for all people, and I thought about him doing that despite all he was experiencing physically, and it made me want to go out and spread the word of God everywhere."
The Holy Father's Impact – April 13, 2005 Carmen NorkiewiczYour Holiness…. each syllable rings clearly with truth encapsulates the essence of John Paul II who wore his heart in his smile, not on his sleeve, whenever he greeted the sheep of his flock. The lambs were tenderly embraced, each precious child's face gently cupped as benediction and loving grace were bestowed with a proudly paternal touch. more ...
We Were Blessed – April 12, 2005
Jennifer V. Aiken
I Pope John Paul II was pope of the people, of all the people. I wish I could have met him but I feel I have known him personally. He has done so much for the world and now the ones we love who have passed before him are learning from him in Heaven. God Bless You Pope John Paul II.
"Papa" to us – April 9, 2005
Mary Jo Miles, St. Mary Parish, Royal Oak
I was one of thousands in the Silverdome in September 1987 who longed to see this leader of our Church who awed us with his love, which seemed directed personally at each and every one of us. more ...
Memories of the Pope and My Parents – April 8, 2005
Leslie Stockton
I woke up at 3:30 a.m. this morning to say goodbye and pray for our beloved Pope John Paul II in my pajamas in front of the television set. So many miles away, but it moved me as if I was right there in St. Peter's Square. more ...
A Shepherd for God's People – April 7, 2005Sherry Showers, Parish Secretary, St. Benedict Church, Waterford, MII had no opportunity to meet the Pope, however, he was dear to my heart in a very spiritual way. I was so very proud when he was elected Pope being that I am of Polish descent. It was wonderful to see such a holy man, of our nationality, be given the opportunity to lead our Church. more ...
The Power of WYD 1997 – April 6, 2005Jean MurphyAs the Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministry at St. Hugo of the Hills Parish during the Pope's visit to Paris, France, I witnessed many new revelations of faith among the fourteen young participants. I thought this story was worth sharing ... more ...
He Changed the World - April 6, 2005Bishop Robert A. Rimbo, Southeast Michigan Lutheran Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in AmericaThe death of Pope John Paul II reminds us of our own mortality but, more importantly, of the grace of our God. more ...
Thank You, Holy Father – April 6, 2005Andrea Gresko"There will be no peace on earth while the oppression of peoples, injustices and economic imbalances, which still exist, endure...what is needed above all is a joint conversion of hearts to love." Pope John Paul ll more ...
God Speed on His Way Home – April 5, 2005Deacon Larry Ruehlen, St. Malachy Parish, Sterling Heights, MIThe past week has been most difficult for me personally, for my own family and for all Catholics everywhere. Pope John Paul II has been a shining beacon of light and hope and has finally been called home after a life like none other in this or the last century. more ...
Unconditional Love – April 5, 2005
Paul Tiseo, St. Owen Parish, Bloomfield Hills
I remember watching the Holy Father celebrate Mass during World Youth Day in 2002. I happened to turn on the TV while he was giving the homily. At a certain point he said something I have never forgotten: "We are not the sum of our weaknesses and failures; we are the sum of the Father's love for us, and our real capacity to become the image of His Son." I was moved to tears. In a way, that statement captures the Pope's whole message: he demonstrated with his whole being the unconditional love of a Father, while at the same time challenging us to live as true children of God, for that is what we are. I thank God for the gift of John Paul II.
He Made Quite an Impression on Me - April 5, 2005
Doreen Walton (nee Goslin), Allen Park, MI
I saw Pope John Paul II at Detroit Metro Airport in 1987 with my mother and several other people from St. Constance Church (Taylor, MI). I was 16 years old at the time - and he made quite an impression on me. I strayed from the Church for several years, but I always kept an eye out for him in the news. I am back with the Church - and am trying to teach both of my daughters about what a great man he was. He will be missed very much by the entire world. God has blessed us with Pope John Paul II's presence, I can only pray that the leaders of the nations have not just "heard" his message, but listened with ears wide open.
A Great Witness to Interfaith Dialogue – April 4, 2005
Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi, Islamic House of WisdomPlease accept my deepest condolences on behalf of Islamic House of Wisdom on this sad occasion. The departure of the Holy Pope John Paul II was a great loss for our faith communities. more ...
Muslims Mourn Loss of the Holy Father – April 4, 2005
Shaykh Muhammad Hisham Kabbani, Executive Council Member, World Conference of Religions for PeaceWith profound sadness, I offer my condolences on the passing of your good friend and spiritual mentor, His Holiness, Pope John Paul II. Today I returned from a visit to the Middle East, where I witnessed throngs of mourners of all faiths; a testament to the Holy Father's greatness. more ...
Mystical Effects in the Presence of John Paul the Great – April 4, 2005
Christine Vertrees, St. Rene Goupil, Sterling Heights
The Holy Father will always have a special place in my heart. He is the reason I converted to Catholicism in 1981. When Pope Paul VI died, I was going through a rough time. more ...
The Backbone of our Church – April 4, 2005
Diane Korzeniewski, Warren, MI
I've had the pleasure of seeing him in the Detroit Silverdome, and then hopped on a bus to see him outside of a Slovak church outside of Toronto. At those times, and whenever I seen him on TV, even now, he has that ability to make me look inward at my life and my ways. He was a pope of absolutes, with little grey on the issues. He is and was the backbone of our Church. He stood firm and unwavering like a rock in a stream, against a culture that so much wants to make the church into an institution of popular vote and democracy. No eye can track a single drop of water in that moving stream, but the rock is plainly visible.
We are Living in a Great Moment – April 4, 2005
Sr. Joseph Andrew Bogdanowicz, OP, Vocations Director and Vicaress General of the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, Ann Arbor, MI
During these days in which we join prayerfully to THANK GOD for our saintly John Paul the Great, please know that each one of you remains so close to me and to my Sisters. more ...
A Real Presence of Christ – April 4, 2005
Darlene Vaughan
We were fortunate to be present when the Holy Father offered Mass at the Pontiac Silverdome in Michigan. Our oldest child was part of the Divine Child High School Band, and they were performing that day. We were seated right on the grass and could see the Pope about to pass no more than 10 feet from us. As he approached there was such an aura, a real presence of Christ, which filled the space around him. I will never forget it. He truly was a Man of God. I rejoice for him for at long last he is with the God he loved and served so well!
A Holy and Humble Man of God – April 4, 2005
Debby Winnicker, St. Edith Parish, Livonia, MI
Pope John Paul II was a very holy and humble man of God. Our Leader was one of the best the Roman Catholic Church ever had. He surely will be missed. May His soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.
A Place in My Heart Forever – April 4, 2005
Brian Burke, New Orleans, LA
It is with great heartfelt sorrow for me, to offer my deepest sympathy on the death of our beloved Pope, His Holiness John Paul II to you all in Rome and to my Catholic Family across the world. I feel the world has lost one of the greatest men that have ever walked the face of this world after out Lord. His Holiness will forever hold a place in my heart, and until the end of my days on this earth I will remember him with kindness and love and admiration.
The Love of Our Shepherd – April 3, 2005
Carmen NorkiewiczThe Holy Father (may God rest his soul and seat him at His right hand!) inspired me with a sense of Christ's great love for us when I saw him on September 1, 2005. more ...
The Honor of Meeting the Bishop of Krakow – April 3, 2005
Deacon Marion Jurewicz, St. Martin de Porres, Warren, MI
I remember may years ago, as a member of the St. Florian's men's choir in Hamtramck, we had the honor of singing at a Mass celebrated by then Bishop of Krakow, and later Pope John Paul II. It is a memory I will always remember, plus the honor of meeting him after the Mass.
A Blessing to the World – April 3, 2005
Mark and Susan Stepien, Dearborn Heights, MI
My wife and I will never forget the experience of seeing the Holy Father in Hamtramck, MI. He inspired us to remain faithful to Catholic teaching as well as to be proud of our Polish heritage. Later, we adopted our three daughters from an orphanage in Poland. We know that without this Pope, Poland might not yet be free, and we might not have been the parents to three special children. John Paul II was a blessing to the world. His example of what the faith of one person can do will live with us all forever. His steadfast commitment to the Truth of Jesus Christ is a model for future clergy the world over. God Bless John Paul II.
A Special Papal Blessing – April 2, 2005John and Patty Vavrek, Oak Park, MIWhen Pope John Paul II came to Detroit in 1987, we all got up VERY early and caught a shuttle bus to Hamtramck. more ...
He Truly Made a Difference – April 2, 2005
Jan Jacobs
I was able to be part of a Papal visit back in July of 1999. I was impressed on how he affected people from all over the world. Many young people and people of all ages would just stand up and burst into song honoring the Pope. The excitement and awe in that room was overwhelming. He truly made a difference in the lives of so many in this world of ours. Whether you agreed with all his convictions or not you couldn't help but be moved by this holy and genuine person.
Grieve Not As Those Without Hope– April 2, 2005
Fr. Lawrence M. Ventline, D.Min., Archdiocese of Detroit
"Grieve not as those who have no hope." 1 Thess. 4:13
"BE NOT AFRAID." John Paul II
As the good Pope John Paul is dying, one can only imagine the grieving of those surrounding his bed who have worked closely with the Polish pope nicknamed, "Wuja", meaning, Uncle. more ...
For Our Holy Father, Pope John Paul II - April 2, 2005
Susan C. Faustina Erickson, Our Lady of Sorrows, Farmington, MI
A man of prayer, great love so rare
He lifts a world still in despair
He is our hope this holy Pope
A man with vision of such scope more ...
O Happy Day! - April 2, 2005
Michael W. Hovey, director of the Office of Catholic Social Teaching
Heaven was abuzz with excitement. "He's coming!" "He'll be here soon!" The word spread quickly. St. Peter was supervising Michael and Gabriel, along with a few cherubim and seraphim, as they prepared the Pearly Gates for his arrival. "Get rid of the Book and the podium," Peter told Michael. "We won't need that for him." more ...
Words of Condolence - April 2, 2005
Cardinal Adam Maida, Archbishop of Detroit
This day, our whole human family has lost a father. We Catholics have proudly called him "Holy Father" since October 16, 1978, when he was elected Vicar of Christ and Vicar of St. Peter. He has indeed fulfilled his role of being a loving father to any and all who listened to his words or followed his example. more ...
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