Saint for Our Times
The saintly American bishop, Fulton Sheen, once declared that "...every 500 years God sends a great pope to His Church...". The first one was Leo the Great, God sent him at a very critical period of human history. In the 5th century, the Roman Empire had fallen and there was no more social order in the world. All of Europe was overrun by chaotic and savage barbarians who pillaged, looted and killed. The only institution to hold things together was the Catholic Church. Pope Leo the Great had a very difficult task in trying to save Rome from complete destruction, yet he went and faced the terrrible hordes of Attila alone. As he pleaded with the greatly feared leader, St. Peter appeared to Attila with a sword drawn. Attila decided not to sack Rome, but left Italy. Another group that wanted to invade the city was also stopped by this holy pontiff.
Besides confronting barbarian hordes, Leo the Great had to deal with heretics also, who were ravaging the Church on the Eastern side. It was he who called the Council of Chalcedon that condemned 4 dangerous heresies in regards to Christ's nature. St. Leo was very wise and wrote wonderful pastoral letters of courage for his people. For all his dedication for the welfare of society and the Church, he was given the title of "Great" as well as "Doctor of the Church."
Five hundred years later, around the year 1000, another great pope was elected to the see of Peter: Pope St. Gregory VII. It was he, more than any other, who rid the Church of the spiritual plague of simony (the buying of ecclesiastical offices) and put worthy men into clerical positions. He also defended the Church's rights against the encroachments of the emperor, who wanted to submit it to his authority. St. Gregory excommunicated the emperor and confirmed the rightful autonomy and liberty of the Church before secular authorities.
Five hundred years after that, the great Pope St. Pius V was elected as leader of the Universal Church. Thanks to the zeal of this holy and wise pontiff, the reforms of the Council of Trent were put into effect and realized. Seminaries were established, the liturgy revised, the catechism printed, the foreign missions attended, and works of charity increased (hospitals and poor given attention). It was Pope St. Pius V who held off the threatening invasion and onslaught of the Turks on Europe, through his encouragement, appeal and preaching of the rosary to all the members of the Church. Society was once again saved by a great man sent by God.
And finally, at the end of the millenium, God gave us His brightest star: Pope John Paul II. Never had the world seen so many rare and precious qualities all present as in this sublime and profound personality. To begin with, he was blessed with a deep sanctity. A man of firm morals, persevering Faith, courageous suffering and constant prayer, John Paul II reflected the misterious workings of the grace of God. Seeing John Paul II, one knew he was in the ineffable and holy presence of God. Second, John Paul II was highly gifted with a most intelligent mind. Astounding and impressive was his quick and intuitive knowledge of the world's languages. His extremely profound, imaginative,wise, creative,original and unique way of expressing his thoughts and teachings would make him the envy of any literary writer in history.
In a world where the newly formed culture of death attempted to extend its tentacles to every sector of society, Pope John Paul II courageously defended human life in all its sacred dignity and aspects. His circling of the globe to every nation that had a Catholic soul was that of the pastor in search of the lost sheep, to give it protection, love, comfort and healing.
Besides being holy, wise and courageous, Pope John Paul II was also very human. Everyone loved and admired him. Children spontaneously climbed to his presence as did the same ones in the time of Jesus. The youth from every country looked up to him for guidance, love and encouragement. They all noted and felt the affection and compassion he had for them. It was he who made it a point to go out and give them a privileged place in the Church. Pope John Paul II made everyone feel important and special by his emphasis and affirmation of their dignity and personhood. Women, the poor, workers, intellectuals, artists, Indians, blacks, etc. all felt accepted and loved by this great man of God.
To a world falling into depression, despondency and confusion, Pope John Paul II gave it his concern, strength, hope and joy. Pope John Paul II brought the world out of its dark and icy winter to a springtime of warmth and light. It was he alone who established a climate of friendship, charity, brotherhood,sharing and peace amongst all nations. His death, absence and loss will be felt by everyone. Pope John Paul II, however, accomplished his mission. Like Christ who told his Apostles that, for their sake, it was good that He ascend to heaven, for our sake, it is good too, that God has called his servant home. As Jesus' departure multiplied His very presence and spirit in the person of the Apostles (now we had twelve Jesus' in the world!), so too, it is up to us, now, to continue the legacy and spirit left and taught to us by this great pontiff. We too, after seeing and learning his example, must go out to the lost and desperate and give them affirming love, healing light and solid firmness. Pope John Paul II must be multiplied amongst all of us, as the spirit of Jesus was poured over the Apostles. We must not, like the Apostles, simply look mournfully and longingly to the skies, but pick up our bags and carry on our mission. It would be the wish of Pope John Paul II for us to do this. Let us pray, also, that it won't be long before, he too, is declared Pope St. John Paul the Great!".
Anthony Mellace
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