The JP2 Generation Tells Its Story: Part Five, Fr. Chris Singer [Catholic caucus]

Catholic Lane ^ | 4/08/11 | Greg Schlueter

[Mary Kochan]

God’s ways are mysterious and marvelous. I had the great honor of attending World Youth Day 2002 in Toronto. And it was there that I marveled at the work of the Spirit in my own life. As I walked the streets of Toronto, attended the workshops, observed the spirit and enthusiasm of thousands of young men and women from around the world – my heart was full of deep memories. And it was filled with a fresh spirit of joy. ...

[Mary Kochan]

I have been running this series on Catholic Lane about the impact of JPII on the lives of the young people who were at WYDs and following up on their stories. This one is about a priest who actually got his call to the priesthood at a WYD. A great read.

[JoeFromSidney]

As it happened, I, my wife, my brothers, and their wives, were taking a cross-Canada train trip at the time of World Youth Day. Our train was packed with young people going to the event in Toronto. We were fortunate in being able to attend Mass on the train, even though we had to stand at the bottom of the steps leading to the upper level of the car (the kids had priority; after all, it was their event). I could see the enormous effect JPII had on those kids.

[Mary Kochan]

I know he affected my journey into the Church. For a while I was considering whether to become Orthodox or Catholic. But his example of what the papacy was — when exercised with holiness, charity, and wisdom — helped settle me on the Catholic Church.

[johngrace]

I remember when He first became Pope it was amazing. He was so young as a Pope when elected. He visited NY when was still early in his Papacy. Everyone was talking about it. People were so captived with everything he said.