BLESSED: A CALL TO HOLINESS

He was the pope closest to the heart of many Filipinos.  He was the pope that beatified the most number of “blesseds” and the most traveled one at that. But now that he himself has been named as the New Blessed, Pope John Paul II continues to echo his call to holiness to each of the faithful.

On October 29, 2011, exactly one week after his appointed feast day, the Diocese of Cubao headed by the Most Reverend Bishop Honesto Ongtioco, DD., and the Araneta Center will stage the first ever musical concert and liturgical celebration in honor of Blessed John Paul II at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. Entitled BLESSED: A CALL TO HOLINESS, the entire afternoon will be filled with thanksgiving, inspiring messages and musical numbers from the people who knew the beloved pontiff. Among the speakers are Rev. Fr. Francis Gustilo, SDB who is currently the only Asian member of the Vatican’s International Theological Commission and the Spiritual Director of the Couples for Christ, Ambassador Henrietta de Villa, former Ambassador to the Holy See, and Jo Grafil, former Executive Director of the World Youth Day. Their uplifting messages and testimonials will be interspersed by stirring musical performances by the Las Pinas Boys Choir, Hail Mary the Queen Children’s Choir, Holy Family Parish Youth Group of the Diocese of Pasig, the IL VOCE from the Ateneo High School and special surprise performers. The occasion will also mark the first time a theme song for Blessed John Paul II composed by Ryan Cayabyab with lyrics provided by Fr. Manoling Francisco, SJ will be performed.

Blah Blah Blogs: Blessed Pope John Paul II, the patron saint of Bloggers

Aside from the Royal Wedding of the Century of Prince Charles and Kate Middleton, another worldwide event that caught the eye of the world was the Beatification of the late Pope John Paul II, which is the most loved pope of all time because of his influence especially to the youth. I myself has been inspired by his life and works that also contributed to what I am today, he affirmed my Catholic faith and also inspired me to be God's servant. And as he is elevated to the title of being Blessed, I would like to say that as a blogger I would consider him as the patron saint of bloggers or Blessed patron of bloggers, technically everywhere. I think its time for him to have that title as he himself was the pope at the age of the Internet and other technologies. His influence rippled into the world with it, he was also the first pope to send an e-mail and launch audio CDs. There were also saint who were given a patron title for new innovations like St. Claire of Assisi as the patroness of television. Pope John Paul II (also known as Karol Józef Wojtya), also started the World Youth Day which is attended by millions of Youth all over the world. And this year, it will be held in Madrid Spain, and of course I would like to go there since I have not directly participated in the world youth day 1995 where I was only in grade school back then. Truly beloved by Catholics and other faiths worldwide, he made connections with Muslims, Jews and other Religions that also paved for peaceful reconciliations. I do hope that his canonization will come in the next few years as many are now testifying by his intercession. And even just with his charisma has already won the hearts of many. 

As he is now part of Blessed Circle, she joins the rank of Mother Theresa of Calcutta and our own Pedro Calungsod, who were Beatified just years ago. And the process of Sainthood is never easy as it goes through rigorous investigation and confirmation. He is very lucky to be beatified in the span of less than 5-10 years which most would take decades or even centuries. And like what I said that he is the patron saint of bloggers, may his intercession bring more inspiration and hope for us who also speak out and evangelize using the new media.