my so-called life: Pope John Paul the Second ( The Peoples Pope)

When i learned about Pope John Paul II's beatification, I felt so happy and blessed that I was able to see him in person. So blessed to be a part of the World Youth Day here in Manila and in Rome, Italy. The youth, faith and love that I've learned will always remain and shared. Thank you Pope for being a God's instrument.

World Youth Day

Way back 1995, I'm a second year high school student when the youth leader from our church invited me to be a part of the World Youth Day 1995 here in Manila .With its theme " For God so loved the world that He gave us His only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life "- John 3:16. , my favorite verse. And also the theme song Tell the world of His love, one of the best song ever composed. The first time I saw Pope, his Pope mobile just passed by, cant remember if its along Espana or Dapitan street. There's a different feeling in me when I saw him, I was touched and moved, it's seems that there's an angel flying throwing some of heaven's dust. Just cant explain the feeling, just feel like crying , like tears of joy. Pope's mobile is a bullet proof because of the incident that Pope was shot. But instead of hating the man who almost killed him, He still embrace and forgive him. I admire him for reaching out to all nations, for respecting all religions. He is truly a People's Pope. After the WYD 1995, I became an active member of the Lectors and Commentators group and Parish Youth Ministryl. Serving God through the ministry became my passion. I was inspired because of the WYD. The youth of the world gathered with one reason,to become a pilgrim, to know and share God's love! Pope loves the young people, he believes that the world must be entrusted to the youth and through the WYD, different nations with one God will be united.

5 years after the WyD in Manila , I was given another chance to be a part of the WYD, this time in Rome with the theme “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (Jn 1:14). I was so blessed because it is the Jubilee Year. From the days in the diocese up to the World Youth Day proper celebration, it was all a meaningful a experience for me.Passing on the Jubilee door is unforgettable, I was lucky enough to be a part of the animators where in we animate the Jubilee theme song and we are on the same stage as Pope. He is just a step away, I was starstruck, I kept staring at him, I really want to run and hug him. I remember his face, he is really old then but looks like a child,has a holy face. Of course I also remember his messages to the world especially to the youth.I remember when he said " Do not be afraid to be a saint" , that we can all be a saint in our own ways. From then, I knew it, there's really something about Pope, His holiness, now a Saint.

Here's a link from the Vatican, you can see Pope John Paul II's autobiography,homilies, prayers and all his significant events.

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/index.htm