By Evan Sexton, Special to The Message
Home parish: Holy Redeemer Parish, Evansville
Education: Bishop Simon Bruté College Seminary, Indianapolis; Class of 2032
Saint: Pope John Paul II
Hope for the Church
On Oct. 16, 1978, the world watched as the first non-Italian Pope for 455 years was elected by the Conclave. He was to be known as John Paul II, and he would be one of the longest-reigning and furthest-traveling popes of the Church’s history. He would travel to 129 countries, over 650,000 miles, bringing the Gospel to those who needed it, especially the youth in every country he visited. With his ability to speak 15 languages, he was truly able to reach a worldwide audience.
One of the events John Paul is most known for is World Youth Day. As we see in the Church today, the youth are especially active in their faith. Among other factors, we can attribute this to the example of Saint John Paul II, which has been followed and continued by successive popes. It is so inspiring, as a young person, to see those around me becoming or continuing to be more active in their faith. Additionally, I admire his teachings on the Theology of the Body, as it continues to be relevant and useful in combating the modern idea of relationships.
It is difficult to not find hope in the life of St. John Paul II. But, most notably in his commentaries on redemptive suffering, he makes the assertion in Salvifici Dolores that: “It is suffering, more than anything else, which clears the way for the grace which transforms human souls.” While we do not know the true reason for human suffering, we can be assured that it is not in vain.