The Beatification of John Paul II

Blessed John Paul II was beatified yesterday, Divine Mercy Sunday. For many of us it will be a day that we wont soon forget. In fact so much happened this weekend that I couldn't possibly post about it all, but as a person that was deeply moved by the former Pope, I would be remiss if I did not mention his beatification.

There is a lot of commentary about the speed at his Beatification and the appropriateness of the matter. All that I can say is that his life was a holy inspiration for me, and he helped me to "Come Home" to the Faith. 

No one is perfect, not even saints, but there are those that in the totality of their life walk a path towards God and are so instep with Him, that their path is one to be admired and followed. Pope John Paul II was one of those people. As someone that finds myself drawn to more traditional practices within the faith, my love and admiration for Blessed Pope John Paul II finds at times questions regarding Vatican II and his role. All I can say is that from what I have read and understand, the Church we find today, is not a result of the intentions of Vatican II or those of Blessed John Paul II, but instead of the intentions of those that saw Vatican II as an opportunity to distort the Faith in some way. 

So I find myself answering those questions with one answer, and that answer is the motto he lived his life by. "Totus Tuus." If we all consecrate ourselves to the Immaculate and Hearts of Jesus and Mary, we will find ourselves not as perfect individuals, but as imperfect humans trying to walk a path of holiness and striving for perfection amidst our faults. 

Blessed John Paul II, Pray for us.

†††

Pope John Paul II - Beatification in 2011?

A reliable report has come out today describing a scenario where Pope John Paul II receives Beatification this spring. CNA reports that Andrea Tornielli, a well regarded Vatican insider, has reported that this is what he is hearing.

CNA reports what Tornielli said in an Italian newspaper:

In the Jan. 4 edition of the Italian newspaper Il Giornale, he reports that medical advisers of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints have ruled favorably on a miracle attributed to John Paul II’s intercession. The documentation has also passed the scrutiny of theologians.

The case involves the healing of a French religious sister from Parkinson’s disease. Sr. Marie Simon-Pierre was diagnosed with an aggressive form of the disease in 2001. Her order prayed to John Paul II after his death for help. After writing the Pope’s name on a piece of paper one night in June 2005, she reportedly awoke the next morning cured and was able to resume her work as a maternity nurse.

This puts the whole process one step closer to full Sainthood, which many feel is inevitable. The process though is very deliberate and there is a lot that has to happen before Canonization can occur. On top of that, John Paul's immense popularity places logistical issues into the mix. CNA explains the rest of the process:

The cause for beatification will now advance to the bishops heading the congregation. They will vote on the matter in several weeks.

In theory, it is possible that Pope John Paul II could be beatified on April 2, 2011, the sixth anniversary of his death. Other possible dates are the late pontiff’s birthday, May 18, or the Oct. 16 anniversary of his 1978 election to the papacy.

A beatification Mass would draw huge crowds and would require significant preparation. This makes a later date more likely.

Pope John Paul II was declared “venerable” in December 2009. If he is beatified, another recognized miracle would be required to declare him a saint.

It seems like we will most likely know something in the next month or two, until then we must continue to pray.



For the original story please see:
John Paull II Beatifiation could be possible in 2011 - CNA

†††