"The Christianity of history is not Protestantism. If ever there were a safe truth it is this, and Protestantism has ever felt it so; to be deep in history is to cease to be a Protestant." (-John Henry Newman, An Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine).

"Where the bishop is, there let the people gather; just as where ever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church". -St. Ignatius of Antioch (ca 110 AD)a martyr later thrown to the lions, wrote to a church in Asia Minor. Antioch was also where the term "Christian" was first used.

“But if I should be delayed, you should know how to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth.” 1 Timothy 3:15

"This is the sole Church of Christ, which in the Creed we profess to be one, holy, catholic and apostolic." -CCC 811

Monday, May 4, 2009

Pope's 'Would-be' Assassin Converts to Catholicism?

Remember Mehmet Ali Agca, the Turkish 'would-be' assassin of the late Pope John Paul II in 1981? The Pope forgave him publicly in 1983 and now there's a rumor that he had converted to Catholicism from Islam according to CathNews.com.

Here is an excerpt from the site:
"I am looking for an Italian woman, who wants to correspond with me. Obviously (I hope) she is Catholic because from May 13 2007, I decided to renounce the Muslim faith and becoming a member of the Roman Catholic Church," Agca writes.

"I have decided to return peacefully to the (St Peter's) square and to testify to the world of my conversion to Catholicism," he says in the letter written in Italian.

"Just for a day, I would wish to return to Rome to pray at the tomb of John Paul II to express my filial appreciation for his forgiveness," he adds.
This news has to be confirmed its authenticity but for now, let's pray for Mehmet of his good intention and remember in our prayers all those who are persecuting the Church so that they too may see the light of Christ.

Just like the attacker of Maria Goretti, who converted to Catholicism, this could be possible to Mehmet Ali Agca. In forgiveness hatred is reduced to love and love is the most powerful weapon against indifference, hatred, bigotry and intolerance. If indeed Christ did it, and the Servant of God Pope John Paul II did it, we too are called to forgive those who have wronged us and let God's power acting on our behalf.

To Jesus alone be praise.
------------------------------------------------

Photos after the Pope was shot in St. Peter's Square




In this file photo the late holy man of God, Pope John Paul II visited his 'would-be' assassin in prison and forgave him.

2 comments:

  1. This forgiveness is the most beautiful thing. It is how Jesus would have acted. I pray to one day forgive as well. It is what we are called to do. Thank you for posting it.

    Tom M. Virginia, USA

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you brother Tom for visiting my blog. Yes, Blessed John Paul II demonstrated the beauty of our Christian faith the finest.

    ReplyDelete

Comments are moderated by the blog owner.

Thank you and God bless you.

My Blog List

My Calendar