Yesterday Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXIII were canonized in Rome. Somewhere in this picture you’ll find my brother, Fr Matthew!!
I remember serving John Paul’s 2002 Easter Vigil in Rome. He was already weighed down by Parkinson’s. After the homily, everybody stood up to recite the Creed. I saw the Pope trying to lift himself up too, but he just couldn’t do it. The master of ceremonies came over to reassure him that it wasn’t necessary that he stand. Then, I saw the look on the Pope’s face which communicated very clearly: “You get me up right now!”
Five months later, I saw the Holy Father again, this time in Toronto, for World Youth Day. I had just been assigned to work in Canada. It was pouring down when the popemobile entered the field for Mass. To everyone’s surprise, the Pope had his roof open so that he could greet the young people. He started the Mass soaked with water.
I learned from his example, that a priest has to be close to his flock.
