What I have seen and heard


	Bishop Gregory

There are some events that are so universal in nature that we all can remember where we were when they took place. We are about to observe one of those world-defining events next week when Pope John Paul II celebrates the 25th anniversary of his election as Supreme Pastor of the Universal Church.

I was a young priest in doctoral studies in Rome. That evening of the 16th of October found me in Saint Peter’s Piazza watching the white smoke pour from the chimney pipe of the Sistine Chapel. As the crowd swelled with people from throughout Rome, I can remember the excitement building as we waited for the doors of the balcony to swing open and have the Proto-Deacon of the College of Cardinals announce the name of the one who had been elected and the name by which he wished to be known.

I could never have guessed that the 58-year-old Cardinal Archbishop of Krakow would have such an impact on the world and on my own life. His experience of living under a Communist regime gave him a particular perspective on human freedom and dignity. His philosophical and theological training directed and guided his pastoral approaches. His linguistic abilities made it possible for him to speak directly with millions of people in their own languages. His missionary spirit brought him face to face with more people throughout the world than all of his predecessors combined. His athletic abilities made him attractive to young people. His media savvy allowed him to engage those who shape public opinion as none of his predecessors had been able to do before him.

As I gazed upon this energetic Pastor for the first time, I could not help but notice he was wearing a wristwatch. He was a contemporary man, I surmised. He understood the importance of time. In the intervening quarter of a century, his list of accomplishments is staggering. His writings, travels, and public witness of spiritual integrity and determination have made him a giant among other world leaders and certainly the most recognizable and respected religious leader in the world.

Selfishly, I must also acknowledge that he has changed my own life in ways that I could not have imagined 25 years ago. He completely altered what I thought would have been my priestly ministry as a Liturgy teacher. He appointed me a bishop at the tender age of 35 years, before many of my contemporaries had even been assigned as pastors. In the intervening years, I have been blessed to be with him countless times. He knows me by name and has welcomed me to his dining table more times than I can tally. He inspires me with his availability, his interest in the Church in the United States, and his resolute determination to call the entire Church to holiness – including this bishop.

I have always had a personal attraction to the saints of the Church since I believe that the Church canonizes women and men of extraordinary holiness in order to provide examples for us all. Pope John Paul II has a passion for promoting the examples of holiness that he hopes will inspire the contemporary world. I have every reason to believe that his own life and exceptional dedication are laying the foundation for another canonization process that will in God’s time raise up another holy life for public admiration and imitation.

Happy Anniversary, Holy Father! Thank you for the witness, the enthusiasm, the fidelity for the faith that you have displayed with such devotion for 25 years as the presence of Peter in the Church of Christ.

The Messenger
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