Scottish Catholic Observer

Pope Benedict XVI is due to address pilgrims at the pre-Beatification vigil for the late Pope John Paul II in Rome this evening through a video linkup.

The reverential vigil at Rome’s Circus Maximus, which also used video and live links to bring the voice of the the late Pope John Paul II and Catholics throughout the world together, was led by Cardinal Agostino Vallini, the vicar general for Rome Diocese which organised the event.

An estimated 200,000 people present braved the overcast skies in Rome to attend the event that, in words and music, honoured the late Pope John Paul II. Upon his death in April 2005 young Catholics called out Santo Subito (Make him a saint now), and the fact the Church listened was clearly demonstrated tonight.

Testimonies

Prior to the prayerful service, the World Youth Day Cross was brought into the Circus Maximus by a torch light procession by youth people. A group of 30 youths  offered their lit lamps, a symbol of never-ending faith to the Virgin Mary.

In the first part of the vigil, tributes and testimonies to the soon-to-be venerated late Pope John Paul II were given through video montages and by Joaquin Navarro-Valls, long time head of the Vatican Press Office, and Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, both of whom worked closely with John Paul II. Sr Marie Simon-Pierre, whose miraculous recovery opened the way for the process that has built up to tomorrow morning’s Beatification on Divine Mercy Sunday, also addressed those gathered.

Mr Navarro-Valls said the late Pontiff made Confession at least once a week and encouraged others to take part in the Sacraments, particularly the Sacrament of Reconcilation. He also spoke to the sanctity, the Holiness of the life of John Paul II, who ‘embodied Holinesses,’ and his prayer life that included the prayer intentions of those he met. He also spoke of the late Pope, who began World Youth Day, challenging young people to live lives of radical Christian witness.

In a matter-of-fact and yet moving manner, Sr Marie Simon-Pierre said it was difficult to watch the Holy Father suffer. In him she saw a mirror of her own suffering, she said. She added that the late Pope was a ‘pastor of God’s own heart.’

Cardinal Dziwisz began his address with ‘Praised be Jesus Christ,’ the words the late Pope began gatherings with. The cardinal said he felt the late Pontiff’s presence at the vigil. adding that John Paul II had been constantly in prayer throughout his Papacy.

Twice he recalled the Pope being angry, firstly against the mafia in Italy and the second time was during the Angelus prayer before the Iraq war, crying ‘say no to war.’

Prayer

After Open the doors to Christ, the official hymn of the Beatification, Cardinal Vallini gave an introduction to the second part of the vigil, summarising the spiritual and pastoral character of John Paul II.

“We feel still great gratitude for the beloved pontiff,” the cardinal said. “We above all remember his witness of Faith…true until his last breath, forged by trial.

“He lived for God, he offered himself entirely to God to serve the Church as a sacrificial offering.”

The cardinal said John Paul II was ‘gold tested by fire,’ going on to say he was a staunch and credible defender of the human person, and a messenger of Justice and Peace and love. Pope John Paul II loved all those ‘wounded by life,’ and had a particular love for young people, whom he wanted to make protanganists of their own future, the cardinal said. He also spoke of the late Pontiff’s singular devotion to Our Lady.

Rosary

During the second part of the vigil, the five new luminous mysteries of the Rosary proposed by the late Pope, Rome linked up with Marian shrines throughout the world. Each decade of the Rosary and shrine  had a different prayer intention.

In the Sanctuary of Lagniewniki, Krakow, the prayer intention was youth; in the Sanctuary of Kawekamo, Bugando, Tanzania, the family; in the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lebanon, Harissa, evangelisation; in the Basilica of Sancta Maria de Guadalupe, Mexico City, hope and peace among peoples; and in the Sanctuary of Fatima, the Church.

Gospel readings and video of the late Pope proceeded each decade of the Rosary.

After Rosary, the ‘White Night’ of prayer continued in Rome, an all-night continuation of the vigil keeping alive the custom of keeping the city awake until dawn. The Sacrament of Confession was made available in the eight Churches throughout Rome taking part: Sant’ Agnese in Agone, Piazza Navona; San Marco al Campidoglio; Santa Anastasia; Santissimo Nome di Gesù all’Argentina; Santa Maria in Vallicella; San Giovanni dei Fiorentini; San Andrea della Valle; and San Bartolomeo all’Isola. Youth groups played an active role in observing the ‘White Night.’

– Tomorrow’s Mass of Beatification, officiated by the Holy Father, at St Peter’s Square begins at 9am UK time, with an hour of preparation beginning at 8am UK time.

Pic: PA Photos

http://whispersintheloggia.blogspot.com/2011/04/he-believed-he-loved-on-beatification.html