John Paul II...A Pope in my lifetime! How grateful, how truly blessed I am to have attended two of his audiences in my lifetime. In Central Park New York City, and in Rome Italy at the Vatican outside Audience. Both experiences enriched my souls journey unlike anything else I have ever experienced. Both experiences were premeditated. I yearned to be in his presence twice. Once, when I was single. And a second time with my husband. When we are in the holy presence of a saint, we know something extra ordinary is happening to us while in prayer, we know that God is present in his creation. JPII was created in the likeness of God, and many were drawn to the image of Christ being presented through him. I believe God mysteriously presents himself in his creation to draw his creation nearer to Him. I was certainly no exception.
Twenty years ago Saint John Paul II was called by God to return himself back after decades of service to the people of Christ. I too struggled in not being able to fly out to Rome and pay my respects to him one last time. God knew my desire to be there and circumstances did not allow me to go. Busy at home as a wife, and as a mother, my duties as a home maker had to come first. God understood my heart, and honored my tears with an amazing plan. After watching the Eternal Word Television Network, seeing the funeral mass of JPII in Rome, I was able to go to mass at our church where the precious relic of JPII was traveling throughout all the Catholic Churches, low and behold, the Sisters of Jesus and Mary in Miami Florida had brought to our Church the precious relic and an exact replica of the bible with its pages blowing in the wind made of bronze and a circular glass vile of JPII's blood. Better known as a First Relic of Pope John Paul II.
My spouse was interviewed by the sisters before the procession began. The sisters arrived from Miami with all of their guitars ready to sing for our Pope, and when they did they sounded like angels in heaven. My spouse was asked to lead the rosary mass and holy communion. It was a unique and special experience. God had allowed something very special that day to occur in me. God allowed me to see a Vision of Pope John Paul II kneeling at the front of the altar at San Pablo Catholic Church, facing the congregation. This vision was given to me as I returned and kneeling to pray in thanksgiving of Pope JPII, as I was thanking God for bringing Him personally to our church so that I can pay my respects to him one last time.
This is just a fraction of just how beautiful our Catholic Faith is! Years of prayers, devotions, et cetera, opened up the heavens, and came down to earth in the most powerful magnificent way. Jesus allowed this miracle, and honestly, I realize that my trust in Him, is seen, is heard, is believed, and I am strengthed by his almighty power to live for the eternal gifts that He wants for all of His holy children. I am here because of Christ. I live eternally in Him. And it doesn't quite end there. He wants ALL of His children to recognize this truth, this reality through the miracles He allows us to see while still living on earth.
My brothers, my sisters, come to the table of plenty. Delve more deeply into Christ! He can hardly wait to bless you too. In ways that are unique and individual to each and every child He has ever created. Be not afraid. Place all of your trust in his love for you. Look what it did for me. And I have been walking with Him personally since Saint Patrick's Day 1990. He wants what is absolutely best for all of us. But he needs our cooperation, our desire, our trust, that my brothers and sisters in Christ, is the game changer!
