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by Natalie Sutton and Kateri Foos

“JP II, WE LOVE YOU!”

Can you imagine being alive when a saint was alive? Can you imagine seeing a saint when he or she was alive, whether it be on television or even in person? When it comes to Saint John Paul II, (or as we like to call him, “JPII”) many of us don’t have to imagine those things because all of them have happened. Even though the two of us are just teenagers, we were fortunate to be alive when he was. “I (Natalie) even remember watching his funeral on television, and even though I was super young, it is something I remember quite vividly.” It is definitely crazy to think we were alive when he was, especially because of what an amazing and inspiring life he lived.

JPII has many inspirational moments that took place in his life, all of which helped him on the road to sainthood. One moment that the both of us think is most inspiring, in our opinions, is when JP II was shot while riding in his Pope-mobile driving around Vatican square. JPII suffered major trauma and blood loss and it is a miracle that he survived this event., However, it was the Feast Day of Our Lady of Fatima, May 13th 1981, and JPII firmly believed he was saved by Our Lady. The most remarkable thing about this story is that JPII later visited the shooter in prison and forgave him directly. This is one of the many actions of JPII that we should all follow. Forgiveness is never easy, but JPII shows that we should forgive everyone, even those who are strangers to us and try to commit the worst possible actions against us.

JPII had a great devotion to the Blessed Mother. He lived by the Latin words that he chose for his papal coat of arms, “Totus Tuus,” which means “All Yours”. This is how JPII described his relationship with Our Lady. He gave himself all to her and prayed the rosary everyday. In fact, he was even inspired to add the Luminous Mysteries to the existing sets of Mysteries of the holy rosary. Once again, this is another way JPII was open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and in turn is a wonderful model for all of us. Having a great devotion to Our Lady is extremely important, especially since she is our mother. The rosary, which JPII said was his favorite prayer, is our best defense against the devil, as we’ve mentioned in previous “Teen Corner” stories.

“I, (Natalie) attend St. John Paul the Great Catholic High School. It is definitely an honor to be able to attend a school that is named after this amazing saint. Because the school is named after him, it is a blessing that we are able to have some of his relics in the school that students can view each day. “I (Kateri) was blessed to go to Rome and see his tomb at the Vatican. “The experience was ’exhilarating.’ I felt blessed to be able to be in the presence of a great saint like him.”

JPII’s Feast Day is October 22nd. This is the day we should all consider praying for him to intercede for us before our Lord, and give him all our worries. This is also the day we should pray the Luminous Mysteries of the rosary. Perhaps you may even be inspired to visit the JPII shrine in Washington D.C. which is a great way to learn more about this wonderful saint!May we all look up to him and follow in his footsteps of holiness.

Saint John Paul the Great, pray for us!

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