Pope John Paul II, in his upcoming beatification at the Vatican on May 1 has stirred Filipino bishop’s fond memories of the pontiff.
Archbishop Ramon Arguelles of Lipa, Batangas and retired Archbishop Oscar Cruz Lingayen-Dagupan described the late pontiff as “a great prophet” and a “saint long since”.
Cruz said “He is a saint, even if you do not canonize him for me. The fact that no Pope could equal his influence in the world.”
“Based on the media, news is usually lasting only for two or three days then you are out. Mother Theresa was covered by the media for news four long days only but with him, he was in the news for almost two weeks,” added Cruz.
Even the non-stop vigil and M(–foul word(s) removed–) proves how well-loved the Pope, and how many lives he was able to reach out, he said.
Leonardo Z. Legazpi, Caceres Archbishop said, ‘several times he has talked with the Pope and even had breakfast and lunch with him.
“He was very charismatic and very paternalistic in my regard”, said the 75-year-old prelate to the CBCP News.
Martin Jumoad, ‘Prelature’ of Isabela de Basilan Bishop said, on September, 2002 was the first time he met the pontiff; it was when new bishops from all over the world had an audience at the Vatican.
“During the time of picture-taking, I had a chance to touch his shoulder and he was just looking at me and smiled.” That experience, was a “heaven” for me, Jumoad said.
Manolo delos Santos ,Virac Bishop said, ‘Pope John Paul II’ most remarkable (–foul word(s) removed–)ets was his charisma which went beyond Catholics and showed genuine concern for the young.
Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma also said ‘Pope John Paul II’ was pioneered in dialogues to all inter-religious when he began the worldwide prayer for peace during the feast of ‘St. Francis’ of (–foul word(s) removed–)isi in 1986.
‘Pope John Paul II’ is set to be beatified on May 1, 2011 at the Vatican in fitting and elaborate ceremonies.