JOHN PAUL II 

A Servant of Christ Among Us / A Giant among Leaders

†Anthony Mancini, V.G., Auxiliary Bishop of Montreal

As I struggle to deal with John Paul II's death, I am filled with many emotions and thoughts.  This man, this priest, this bishop and Pope, has been part of my life for the past 26 years, and while his life has impacted on the whole world, it has changed mine dramatically.

Karol Wojtyla has been an example of a man of strength, conviction and depth of character.  His concern for authenticity and his commitment to the truth has been an inspiration, and his last days have been a most amazing expression of the degree to which he has been faithful to his papal motto - “totus tuus” which expresses his freely accepted choice to follow Jesus Christ all the way.  His sufferings have been an example to all but especially to those who also face suffering daily.

In our world, where leadership is not very edifying, this man stands as a giant among leaders.  It is mind boggling to see the widespread interest and concern manifested internationally for this man of courage, of faith and of hope.

Millions of young people have seen in John Paul II, an adult that they can trust and count on; one who has accepted to be an adult, in a world where adolescents reigns.  This man's message to youth has been to 'NOT BE AFRAID', and he has given this recurring message a visible expression by his own life, and his own ministry.  He has not been afraid of politicians, of journalists, of philosophers, or scientists.  He has respected them and dealt with them all, on their own ground remaining ever coherent and faithful to his loved valued and gospel convictions.

For me, Pope John Paul II has been the Pope who called me to be a bishop, and to share in the responsibility of the apostles.  Such a task and mission is an overwhelming one most of the time.  In present circumstances, in a world which is secularized and in a North America where religion and Catholicism is undergoing major shifts, being a bishop is not always a clearly marked out path to follow.

In the person of John Paul II, I have had a teacher and a father who has pointed out the essentials of a challenging vocation and pastoral ministry.  This Pope for me is not a distant, mystical figure who lives far away from my world.  In fact, John Paul II was never far away from anyone's world, since he travelled to all four corners of the globe.  He made himself visible and accessible to millions of people, leaving most of them feeling that they had been personally met by this servant of Jesus Christ.  John Paul II saw in each human being, why Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Son of God, viewed humanity as worthy to be saved.

My reflections have turned to the privilege of having met the Holy Father, on numerous occasions face to face, including the opportunity to sit at his table and share a meal with him.  It was simple encounter, but an amazing one.

This very complex person, capable of great intellectual feats, is also a very approachable person, capable of ordinary conversation, including one about Italian soccer, where my name sake is a most popular athlete.  I recall that the Holy Father was not impressed by my lack of knowledge in this area.  He, of course, being a very physical and accomplished athlete, in his younger days, was very interested in sports.  However, he was no less interested in the arts and in classical music.

Pope John Paul II has taught me the importance of fidelity to the truth and the necessity of being respectful of humanity.  His teaching has reminded me and hopefully many others, that being human is a tremendous value, which must be upheld above all else.  The greatest gift that one can give is the gift of love, which, according to John Paul II, is what makes us truly human, and what transforms us, from self-centred individuals, to self-giving and self-transcending persons.

It is this vision of humanity and of the person which underlies all his statements and declarations, and which I personally receive as his legacy.

I first met John Paul II when he was newly elected Pope, and I saw a giant of a man; one who took on the mantel of the Papacy as one destined to it.  He was strong, physically.  He filled the seat of Peter without hesitation and he exuded a charisma for leadership which said that he would face whatever awaited him.

As time went on, and his physical stature began to be affected, and it could not, not be affected, when we consider that he worked long days, met thousands of people weekly, became victim of an assassination attempt, and travelled the globe.  When he began to show his age, he gave witness to all, that a person did not diminish, because his body did.  He remained totally dedicated and showed his will power, right to the end.

When young people cried out last Easter Sunday in St. Peter's square, John Paul II, we love you!, I was moved to tears for I realized then that this man had exhausted himself for Jesus Christ, and for His Church, and that soon, he would no longer be with us.  I have loved this Pope, and I thank God for the gift that this man has been for the People of God, for the whole of humanity, but on a personal note, for the gift that he has been for me.

He has made faith in God, in Jesus Christ, in the Church a credible reality and he has challenged me, to try to walk the path the John Paul II has traced out for us.

In his time of suffering, I have prayed for him and his death, now that he is with God, I celebrate his life.  God has given him rest and welcomed home, His very unique, faithful and amazing servant.  No doubt all the saints are pleased to be with him, and Mary is proud of her son.

†Anthony Mancini, V.G., Auxiliary Bishop of Montreal

Tuesday, April 5, 2005