Celebrating the Beatification of Pope John Paul II

This week the Daughters of St. Paul in Philadelphia celebrated the beatification of Pope John Paul II with the students of John Paul II Elementary School in Stratford, NJ and Regina Luminis Academy in Downingtown, PA. It was a joy to celebrate with these young people the life of a man whose authenticity in living the Gospel inspired and continues to inspire many young people in their following of Christ. At Regina Luminis, the Sisters gave a multimedia presentation on the life and message of the late Holy Father. The Sisters and students through the intercession of the new blessed asked God for the grace to courageously live out the Gospel message. The presentation ended with a Pope John Paul II Contest which revealed how much the students knew and loved the late pope! The Sisters also shared the fruit of their prayer and consecration through the Pauline publications they made available to the students, parents and teachers. Blessed John Paul II, Pray for us!

Ask yourselves, young people, about the love of Christ. Acknowledge His voice resounding in the temple of your heart. Return His bright and penetrating glance which opens the paths of your life to the horizons of the Church’s mission. It is a taxing mission, today more than ever, to teach men the truth about themselves, about their end, their destiny, and to show faithful souls the unspeakable riches of the love of Christ. Do not be afraid of the radicalness of His demands, because Jesus, who loved us first, is prepared to give Himself to you, as well as asking of you. If He asks much of you, it is because He knows you can give much.
-Pope John Paul II (The Meaning of Vocation)