First Official Memorial in Honor of Blessed John Paul II, Houston Tx

 

Oct 22, 2011 --  First official Memorial Mass for Blessed John Paul II

Rev Francois Pouliot, OP offers the sacrifice of the mass in honor of Blessed John Paul II on Saturday morning, 11:30 am, October 22, 2011 at the Dominican Priory in Houston; the memorial was observed across Poland, in Rome, and Washington, D.C.; the John Paul II Forum obtained the readings and prayers from Rev. Witold Kania (Poland), a regular visitor to Houston and St Vincent de Paul Parish. This was the first celebration of the official memorial inscribed in the Church calendar in honor of Blessed John Paul II. The U.S. Bishops will consider making this memorial a regular part of the US liturgical calendar. Due to the leap year in 2012, Blessed John Paul's memorial, October 22, will fall on Monday. We hope that parishes in Houston will celebrate the memorial next year as we anticipate his canonization.

Father Francois mentioned some aspects of the life of Blessed John Paul II. He was a man who was willing to take risks to spread the good news.

How beautiful upon the mountains

are the feet of the one bringing good news,

Announcing peace, bearing good news,

announcing salvation, saying to Zion,

“Your God is King!”

He traveled the world; he reached out in love to Jews, Protestants, Moslems and secularists. He sought to show the human face of love and the Christian value of friendship.He continued to
explore the mountains, the country side and his love of beauty.

He lived his life in the love of Christ.

"When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.”

The life of Blessed John Paul II enacted and reflected the gospel in many ways.