Dear Parishioners,

      This Sunday, October 22nd, is the feast of Pope St. John Paul II, though because it is Sunday we won’t celebrate it this year. Nevertheless, this great saint will not go unforgotten this weekend and perhaps his example can help us to become people of deep prayer.

      When I was in the seminary, our then Archbishop, Cardinal Rigali, would recount stories of the Pope whom he knew well from his time working in the Vatican. One story that still stands out to me was about one of the papal visits to somewhere in Africa.

      According to Cardinal Rigali, Pope John Paul II was in the midst of a very long and difficult trip with masses, meetings and speeches, and he was visibly exhausted. Late that evening, as a crowd of young people were outside singing and celebrating, the pope went into the chapel to pray before the Blessed Sacrament. After fifteen or twenty minutes he emerged radiant and full of energy to go and meet the crowd.

      I’ve always been impacted by that simple story and another personal memory of St. John Paul. As the world watched him age and deteriorate before us, especially in his last years and months, I was struck by his vibrant eyes, showing us that there was dignity and holiness even in suffering if it is offered to God.

      These two simple examples of Pope St. John Paul II point us to two simple but powerful forms of prayer; adoration and offering. Though we usually think of adoration as taking place before the Blessed Sacrament, it can also happen at any place and any time.

      When we pause in our day and prayerfully call to mind that we are in the presence of God, we simply look at Him in the mind’s eye. In that moment of looking on Him interiorly, we can adore Him, tell Him of our joys and struggles, hopes and fears, and we can tell Him of our love for Him. It is simple but profound prayer to look lovingly at God, to adore Him.

      John Paul II also taught us the prayer of offering. So many times, throughout our day we experience some difficulty or suffering and most of the time we waste it. The pope showed us that suffering great and small can be offered to God and that offering can be powerful. We can all do it if we just try.

      Next time you are inconvenienced or frustrated or hurting, simply stop and tell the Lord that you offer it for the good of others. These simple examples of prayer given to us by such a great modern saint can help each of us grow profoundly in our relationship with God and in turn help make our parishes schools of prayer.

Have a blessed week!

Fr. Jim Theby