People from all corners of the world prayed, sang hymns and waved their national flags. Many were Polish who came in to honor their native son. Attending the ceremony were 90 official delegations and 16 heads of state.Also among the crowd was French nun, Sister Marie-Simon Pierre, who says she was miraculously cured from Parkinson’s disease after praying to the late pope.
Pope Benedict pronounced the beatification formula and a large portrait of a smiling Pope John Paul II was unveiled, to the applause of the large crowd.
Those who took part in the ceremony spoke of the privilege they felt to be present and of how much the Polish pope meant to them.
"He was so loving and just open and warm, and just looking at this face in pictures makes me remember the love he had for everyone," said one pilgrim.
"He’s like the traveling pope who wanted to reach out to every person and every human being on earth," remarked another.
In his homily, Pope Benedict called his predecessor an exemplary son of Poland who, through his witness of faith, love and apostolic courage, accompanied by great human charisma, helped believers throughout the world not to be afraid to be called Christian. Pope Benedict Declares John Paul 'Blessed'
No comments:
Post a Comment