杏MAP导航

By Fr. Marek Weresa 

April 2 marks two decades since the death of 杏MAP导航 John Paul II. After serving by his side twenty years ago, Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, the Papal Almoner, reflects on the man behind the figure of the head of the Catholic Church.

A Witness

He emphasizes that the Polish 杏MAP导航 was a man who, before coming out to lead the liturgy, 鈥渇irst spoke with God, and when he stepped out, he represented God, which is why his words were so touching and life-changing.鈥� Before the start of any celebration, in the sacristy, 杏MAP导航 John Paul II was physically absent - immersed in prayer - and 鈥渋n that very absence, he was meeting with God.鈥�

鈥淚 didn鈥檛 realize then that this was sanctity. For me, it was normal because for seven years, several times a week, I saw the Holy Father - exactly like that,鈥� Cardinal Krajewski recalls.

We Felt Like Family

The Cardinal was among those present at the time of 杏MAP导航 John Paul II鈥檚 death. He remembers the night of April 2nd, going into April 3rd.  After midnight, while returning home, he noticed that 鈥渢he world had come to a standstill. The world knelt right there, in St. Peter鈥檚 Square,鈥� he describes.

After the death of St. John Paul II, the world stopped and remained in prayer.

All the streets around the Vatican were filled with people, and a perfect silence prevailed. No one was in shops or restaurants; all stood in prayer. In some way, the intense tension associated with the departure of 杏MAP导航 John Paul II suddenly 鈥渓ifted,鈥� and now was the time for reflection. 鈥淎nd you could see it in people鈥檚 eyes. We all wondered why we weren鈥檛 like 杏MAP导航 John Paul II - why he was holy, and we were not, despite being so close to him.鈥�

The Papal Almoner points out that the pontificate of the Polish 杏MAP导航 was a time that, thanks to the media, everyone could follow 鈥渦p close.鈥� That is why, at that moment, the entire world seemed to stand still 鈥� there was 鈥渁 profound pause unlike any we had ever witnessed at the passing of a pope.鈥�

Living the Gospel

In an interview with Vatican Radio, Cardinal Krajewski recalls that while working with the 杏MAP导航 at the time, he observed that he 鈥渓ived according to the four Gospels. His way of working, his conduct, his approach to solving problems in the world and within his circle was based solely on the four Gospels - without any commentary,鈥� Krajewski explains. He adds that this is important 鈥渂ecause when you comment on the Gospels, you dilute them. The four Gospels are very radical when lived out.鈥� When a person begins to live humbly, giving himself completely to the service of the Lord God and people, then he is exalted. That is why 杏MAP导航 John Paul II is holy.

When asked what the most important message for us should be today - twenty years later - Cardinal Krajewski explains that it is to live out the fullness of the Gospel. 鈥溞覯AP导航 John Paul II lived according to the logic of the Gospel, and he solved the world鈥檚 problems using that same logic,鈥� he stresses, adding that it is challenging, considering how the 杏MAP导航 was attacked both in life and after death, yet, as Jesus Himself predicted, 鈥淚f they persecuted me, they will also persecute you鈥� (John 15:20). The Cardinal highlights 鈥渢his will happen if we continue to live by God鈥檚 truth.鈥�

A Sign of Unity

Looking back to how the tradition of Masses celebrated at 杏MAP导航 John Paul II鈥檚 tomb began, Cardinal Krajewski recounts the very first one celebrated in the Vatican Grottoes 鈥� near St. Peter鈥檚 tomb. It was held on a Thursday commemorating the institution of the Eucharist and priesthood.

During the service, the Polish 杏MAP导航鈥檚 testament was read, in which he called on Christians to offer Mass and prayer. Since that day, Thursday Masses have been celebrated at his tomb 鈥� first in the crypt and, following his beatification, at the altar of St. Sebastian in St. Peter鈥檚 Basilica.

For the last twenty years, Mass has been celebrated without interruption every Thursday except for Maundy Thursday. 

Every week, the area in front of the tomb of 杏MAP导航 John Paul II is flooded with a large group of Poles living in Rome as well as those who make pilgrimage to the Eternal City, especially now during the Jubilee Year.

The Masses are always filled and, recently, even more than 100 priests have joined. With Vatican Radio鈥檚 broadcast and Catholic radio stations in Poland, Poles can unite spiritually with the celebrations. Cardinal Krajewski says, this 鈥渋s a sign of unity, of being together. John Paul II brings us together.鈥�