Servant of God: John Paul II

Here is the website for the cause of the beatification and canonization of John Paul II with prayers in 33 languages.

There's something awe-inspiring and moving about seriously considering the canonization of someone I actually saw with my own eyes (well, my sister Rachel and I and Fr. Michael, and a couple hundred million other people). Someone who was the first Pope I was aware of; the only Pope I knew until April of 2005.

As a convert friend of mind observed the other day: I miss him.

O Blessed Trinity
We thank You for having graced the Church
with Pope John Paul II
and for allowing the tenderness of your Fatherly care,
the glory of the cross of Christ,
and the splendor of the Holy Spirit,
to shine through him.
Trusting fully in Your infinite mercy
and in the maternal intercession of Mary,
he has given us a living image of Jesus the Good Shepherd,
and has shown us that holiness
is the necessary measure of ordinary Christian life
and is the way of achieving eternal communion with you.
Grant us, by his intercession, and according to Your will,
the graces we implore,
hoping that he will soon be numbered
among your saints.
Amen.