April 2, 2005, my dad phoned and quietly told me, “Pope John Paul II has died.” I remember going to Mass the next day and our pastor, Fr. Piotr Dzikowski (who had visited Pope John Paul II on numerous occasions), giving a beautiful homily, reminding us in Pope John Paul II’s own words, “Be not afraid!” I remember the days which followed, the funeral we watched, the magazines we looked at, the e-mails we received, and the links we followed. Those links, plus some new ones, are still readily accessible on our computer. A few of them are below:
John Paul II: With These Hands
Rome’s Repose
We Remember

Pope John Paul II died on the eve of Divine Mercy Sunday. A feast which he had established and which I hold close to my heart. His death came eight days after Good Friday. It came eight days after Pope John Paul II handed the crucifix that he was carrying to then Cardinal Ratzinger. He and our pastor said, “Be not afraid!” and they were so right.

Today, I am thankful to be a parishioner at a Polish parish, where, after each Mass, we kneel and pray the Angelus for the beatification of John Paul II.

The Angelus

V. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.

R. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee;

blessed art thou among women

and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners,

now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord.

R. Be it done unto me according to thy word.

Hail Mary…

V. And the Word was made Flesh.

R. And dwelt among us.

Hail Mary…

V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.

R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

LET US PRAY

Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts,

that we to whom the Incarnation of Christ Thy Son was made known

by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross

be brought to the glory of His Resurrection.

Through the same Christ Our Lord.

Amen.