Card. Gracias: Pope Wojtyla, a fearless man who changed the world

Let us pray to Pope John Paul II in this moment of pandemic that intercedes for us. Pope John Paul II knows our pain, our sufferings, let us ask him to strengthen our faith, our trust that God takes care of us.

Mumbai (AsiaNews) - Cardinal Oswald Gracias celebrated mass in memory of the centenary of the birth of Pope John Paul II. The cardinal who was a close friend of Mother Teresa said that John Paul II was like Mother Teresa, firm in her faith, fearless and full of mercy. The cardinal who had a special friendship with both saints, both pilgrims of peace, deeply in love with God and full of love for the poorest of the poor and marginalized, ardent supporters of the unborn child and the dignity of the person, recalls Pope Wojtyla.

Cardinal Oswald Gracias celebrated Mass commemorating the Birth Centenary of Pope John Paul II.  Cardinal Gracias who was in Rome for the most important moments of Pope John Paul II Pontificate, said,  I was  a student in Rome, studying Canon law, I was in  St Peter’s square, and  I will never forget in my life, one of the sermons/words which made a distinct impact on me even today, was the address that John Paul Ii made when he was made Pope. The  First words of Pope John Paull II on 16th October, will forever remain etched in my memory, ”Non abbiate paura! Aprite, anzi, spalancate le porte a Cristo! “Be not afraid. Open wide the doors to Christ.” 

Deep Faith fully trusting God, very devoted to Our Lady and fearless because of His Faith, which motivated his Courage and everything he did, his  constancy,  His effectiveness Pope John Paul II transformed the World. 

A pope fearless in dealing with the World, in dealing with the Chuch, the new enthusiasm, the New Evangelization . has a particular message  to us in this Pandemic,  in our loneliness, in our pain, the whole world is in disarray, the economic situation, the social situation, the political situation but Pope has great faith.

Time Magazine analysing the Fall of Communism said, that the two persons responsible for the fall of communism was The President of United States of America and Pope John Paul II .  Pope John Paul II transformed Poland, Europe and the Whole World

Cardinal Gracias who was a very close friend of Mother Teresa, said, that Pope John Paul Ii was like Mother Teresa, firm in his faith, fearless and filled with Mercy.  There was a special friendship with both the Saints- Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa, were pilgrims of peace,  deeply in love with God and  love for the poorest of the poor and the marginalized, ardent advocates of the unborn and  dignity of the person.

I want to pray to him in a special way, a Great Pope and remember and honor him.  I grew to love him so much. He was a Hero to me, because of his greatness

We are united with the Mass being offered  in Poland by the Nuncio ( who was our former Nuncio) with the whole  church and Poland, and I communicated to the Nuncio, that we too are united with him.

In 1986 Pope John Paul II during his ten-day visit to India, together with Mother Teresa  visited  Nirmal Hriday and at the end of his visit he said: “Nirmal Hriday is a place of hope, a house built on courage and faith, a home where love reigns.”

During this Pandemic, we pray to Pope John Paul II, who had followed the Holy Week in  health had steadily deteriorated and on  Easter Sunday, appeared at the window to bless the crowd in silence, with his right hand and blessed the city and the world,"  

Pope John Paul was unafraid,  his deep faith made him Fearless, knowing that God is in command Confidence that God with with us.

We pray to Pope John Paul II in this time of pandemic  that he intercedes for us  Pope John Paul II knows our pain, our sufferings, we pray to him to strengthen our faith, our confidence, strengthen our  faith that God cares for us.