His Message of Hope

Pope John Paul II
1920 - 2005

In 1979, Pope John Paul delivered the message below to students of the Catholic University. It seems a fitting tribute to quote his words; words that capture much of his spirit.

"I leave you now with this prayer: that the Lord Jesus will reveal himself to each one of you, that he will give you the strength to go out and profess that you are Christian, that he will show you that he alone can fill your hearts.

Accept his freedom and embrace his truth, and be messengers of the certainty that you have been truly liberated through the death and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus. This will be a new experience, the powerful experience, that will generate through you, a more just society and a better world. God bless you and may the joy of Jesus be always with you!"

Those words pretty much sum up his life and mission. And I imagine there was a similar prayer on his lips as he knew he would soon be leaving us.

For Pope John Paul:

Soul of Christ, sanctify me
Body of Christ, save me
Blood of Christ, inebriate me
Water from Christ's side, wash me
Passion of Christ, strengthen me
O good Jesus, hear me
Within Thy wounds hide me
Suffer me not to be separated from Thee
From the malicious enemy defend me
In the hour of my death call me
And bid me come unto Thee
That I may praise Thee with Thy saints
and with Thy angels
Forever and ever
Amen