Priests and Seminarians Reflect
on Pope John Paul II

Many priests and seminarians have drawn great courage and inspiration from the example and encouragement of Pope John Paul II. His special attention paid to youth and the beauty of offering their lives to Christ has inspired many vocations in the Church. Many of our current seminarians and some of our newly-ordained priests are considered members of the "JPII Generation". On learning of the death of our Holy Father, many priests and seminarians have reflected on how he affected their lives and inspired their vocations. Here are some reflections and more will be added as they are received.

The world is indeed saddened by the death of our pope, John Paul II. But, I think, the youth of our world is deeply saddened. Our Pope had a wonderful love for young people. His personal efforts in promoting World Youth Day is a testament to that. World Youth Day is a coming together of youth from the four corners of the world, to be united as one, and a strong reminder of the strength and confidence the young bring to the Church today. I had the wonderful privilege of traveling to Denver in 1993 to attend World Youth Day. It was an experience that I will never forget. As he proclaimed in Boston in 1979: "The reason for my mission…is to tell you, to tell everyone—young and old alike—to say to everyone in the name of Christ: ‘Come and follow me!’" I join with everyone in the Church and throughout the world in praying for our Pope John Paul II.

- Father Jeffrey Cabral, Taunton Deanery Coordinator

I was standing in St. Peter's Square when the death bell began to toll, signifying the passing of Pope John Paul II from this world to the next. There were over 100,000 present, yet the intensity of the prayerfulness and silence allowed only the bell to be heard. It was a moment of great sadness, as JPII is only pope some of us have ever known, and yet, it was a moment of great joy, for we all believed in our hearts that he was welcomed home with rejoicing by his heavenly Father. It was even in his death that he continued to give profound testimony to the love he had for God's people. As the bell tolled, it seemed as if time had stopped as we all watched and prayed. It was the most prayerful, the most peaceful, and the most solemn moment I have ever spent in that square in the two years that I have lived here. Never will we forget how much Pope John Paul II has impacted our lives.

- Jay Mello, Second Theology, North American College

While I never had the opportunity to actually meet the Holy Father, simply being in his presence was enough to feel the holiness radiating from this man.  I am sure that his example has inspired countless young men, myself included, to consider a call to serve God in the priesthood, and that is not to mention the millions of other people whom he served by his teachings and service- the elderly, the youth, married couples, teenagers, to name a few groups.  At World Youth Day in Toronto I had the blessing of being in the front row as he passed through the crowds.  It was amazing how, amidst the cheering and yelling, so much peace could emanate from him. The last time I saw him was at Easter 2005. Even though he was in great pain, he came to his window to bless the crowds.  Even though he was unable to speak, his silent witness in the incredible suffering he was enduring spoke volumes, and was perhaps more eloquent than any speech could be.  He will be sorely missed.

- Riley Williams, Second College, Franciscan University

God has called our Holy Father, Pope John Paul II to his eternal reward.  Many will remember him for his philosophical and theological work, or his tireless teachings in social justice.  I will remember Pope John Paul II for his thought but also for his rich spirituality.  The Holy Father lived up to his title, Holy. He was and is a great inspiration for me and an icon of living spirituality that can be achieved in the modern world.  May God reward our Holy Father for his lifetime of dedication and service and may John Paul II pray for all of us.

- Daniel Nunes, Fourth College, Our Lady of Providence Seminary