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St. Gregory's University to Pay Tribute to Pope John Paul II Today we hear news of the death of His Holiness, Pope John Paul II. Certainly, we at St. Gregory’s are deeply saddened at this news. Having served the Church and humanity as Pope for over 26 years, John Paul II has been the only Pope that many of our students have ever known. He had a special affection for young people for he found great hope in the gifts and enthusiasm that young people possess. We are no doubt grateful for the many blessings that have come to us through the life and ministry of this wonderful servant of God. John Paul II leaves behind a legacy that will have a lasting positive impact not only on the Catholic community, but also on the entire global community. His untiring defense of the sanctity and dignity of human life, his prolific writing and inspired teaching, his outreach to the peoples of all cultures and faiths, his courage in the face of totalitarian regimes, his consistent advocacy for peace, his leadership in the promotion of healing between the Catholic Church and other faith communities, and his tireless and unflinching preaching of the Good News of God’s Kingdom, make him one of the greatest leaders of the modern era. But even as we experience a deep sense of loss, we can celebrate our faith in the promise of eternal life won for us by our Risen Lord, Jesus Christ. In this Easter season, we can find comfort in this faith and commend Pope John Paul II to the fullness of Christ’s Resurrection. Plans are currently being made for St. Gregory’s Abbey and University to commemorate properly the passing of Pope John Paul II from this life. There will be a campus commemoration held within the next few days, organized between the SGU Center for Spiritual Development and the Monastery. Watch for announcements. As it turns out, I will be traveling to Rome tomorrow, Sunday, April 3, to assist Br. Boniface as he begins his theological studies at the same university I attended. Little did I know when these travel plans were made that Br. Boniface and I would be in Rome under such historic circumstances! Be assured that I will carry with me to Rome the love and prayers of our campus community for Pope John Paul II. We will pray for you also at the tomb of St. Gregory the Great in St. Peter’s Basilica, hopefully celebrating a Mass on the altar above the tomb of our patron. (This, of course, is contingent upon any restrictions on access to St. Peter’s Basilica during the time of mourning for Pope John Paul II.) I will return to St. Gregory’s (without Br. Boniface) on April 19. We must bid farewell to an incredible example to us all. May Pope John Paul II hear those words of Jesus: “Well done, good and faithful servant,” (LK 19:17) and be admitted to the fullness of God’s Kingdom! Rev. Lawrence Stasyszen, O.S.B. |