Oct. 22 Memorial of St. John Paul II

Do not be afraid! Open wide the doors for Christ…. Christ knows ‘what is in man.’ He alone knows it.” — Pope John Paul II in his Inaugural Address, St. Peter’s Square, October 22, 1978

Readings for the optional Memorial of Saint John Paul II, pope

Did you know?

The photos of Pope John Paul II and Bishop Tobin are from Bishop Tobin’s May 2004 Ad Limina visit to Rome. At that time Bishop Tobin was Bishop of the Diocese of Youngstown, Ohio.

Bishop Tobin was named eighth Bishop of Providence by Pope John Paul II on March 31, 2005. That was one of Pope John Paul II's last official acts, as he passed just two days later on April 2, 2005. Pope John Paul II died during the first vespers of Divine Mercy Sunday, April 2, 2005, at 9:37 p.m., soon after he had uttered his final audible words, “Let me go to my Father’s house.”

John Paul II of Poland was elected Pope on October 16, 1978, becoming the first Slav pope and the first non-Italian pope in 455 years since Dutch Pope Adrian VI, who served from 1522 to 1523. He served as Pope for 27 years up to the time of his death at the age of 84.

Pope Benedict XVI beatified him on May 1, 2011, establishing October 22, the day of his inauguration, as his feast day.

Pope John Paul II was canonized by Pope Francis on September 30, 2013. Pope Francis officially declared him a saint on April 27, 2014.
 
Photo below is of Bishop Tobin’s last personal meeting with Pope John Paul II. It took place in May 2004 during the bishop’s regular ad limina visit to the Vatican. The ailing pontiff died just a year later. (Photo courtesy of Bishop Tobin)