Remembering the Great Man Karol Wojtyla

Four years ago, today, we remember the death of one of the most beloved Pope of the Catholic Church, a zealous religious and political leader who brought order to our disorderly world. Pope John Paul II's death on April 2, 2005 was mourned by Catholics and non-Catholics alike even non-Christians. The news scattered so quickly like a wild fire that on that same hour, people were seen rushing to the Vatican square hugging each other like they lost their own father. In my flat in Saudi Arabia, I wept so bitterly when the news came to me. John Paul II was closest to youths and I was there when he visited Philippines for the 10th World Youth Day in Manila where he gathered more than 4 million people, the largest gathering he got. Thanks to giant news cable channel like CNN, BBC, Al-Jazeera when they were there bringing fresh news to millions who have been touched by this saintly man.

Pope John Paul's Funeral, was considered the largest single gathering of of Dignitaries so far. Among those who paid visits were Patriarchs from Eastern Churches and the Archbishop of the Church of England.

We pray that John Paul II may kindly look down on us his beloved people and listen to our supplication to God through his intercession and be counted soon among the ranks of those whose robes were washed by the Blood of the Lamb.

As Deacon Keith Fournier puts it in words, John Paul II is "a genuine human being with a heart that embraced the whole world, like the Heart of the One whom he represents on earth. He was truly the “Vicar of Christ”, representing the Lord, the King of Kings, for us all. We had him but a short time."

John Paul II, pray for us!