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How Pope John Paul II Changed My Life
The Washington Post ^ | 5/4/11 | Jennifer Fulwiler

Posted on 05/05/2011 11:36:21 AM PDT by marshmallow

The first time I took notice of Pope John Paul II was at his funeral. I was an atheist, as I had been for the duration of his pontificate, and I sat with my husband, a non-practicing Baptist, to watch the coverage. We hadn’t planned to tune in for the event, but both of us were intrigued by the enormous world response. We turned on the television to see highlights of the dignitaries arriving, and there was President George W. Bush. Then Bill Clinton. Then George H.W. Bush, Condoleezza Rice, Jacques Chirac, Nelson Mandela, Gerhard Schroeder, Tony Blair, and Prince Charles (who had postponed his own wedding to attend).

It was the largest gathering of statesman in the history of the world. The news cameras panned over the attendees, showing the rich array of colors and designs in their attire. It was like one of those sci-fi movies where there’s an intergalactic council, the huge variety in the dignitaries’ appearances giving a visceral impression that the entire universe has paused to observe this event.

“There’s something going on with the Catholic Church,” my husband mused. “I just can’t figure out what it is.”

Just a few months after the funeral, a series of events led me to question atheism for the first time in my life, and I began to research religion and spirituality. My husband joined me in my search, and we were shocked to find that our investigation pointed us in the direction of the Roman Catholic Church (the only thing we’d previously had in common in terms of religion was that we were both anti-Catholic).

When we talked to Catholics about their beliefs, we noticed that the subject of John Paul II never failed to elicit an emotional response.

(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...


TOPICS: Catholic; Ministry/Outreach
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1 posted on 05/05/2011 11:36:24 AM PDT by marshmallow
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To: marshmallow

A brief account, but very good reading. And I would agree about JPII’s writings and his theological insights, as well as his enormous influence on world history.

Rather surprising to see this in the Washington Post, even as a guest column.


2 posted on 05/05/2011 11:50:30 AM PDT by Cicero
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To: marshmallow

Welcome home to this woman & her husband. Sadly, there are still so many who don’t get it. I pray for their conversion of heart daily & will continue to do so.

Pray for us, Blessed JP II


3 posted on 05/05/2011 11:52:24 AM PDT by surroundedbyblue
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To: marshmallow

What a nice story - simple, clear, full of conviction and faith


4 posted on 05/05/2011 12:07:48 PM PDT by PGR88 (I'm so open-minded my brains fell out)
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To: marshmallow

Gave me chills!


5 posted on 05/05/2011 12:38:47 PM PDT by Bigg Red (Palin in 2012)
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To: Salvation

Inspiring story here, FRiend.


6 posted on 05/05/2011 12:40:37 PM PDT by Bigg Red (Palin in 2012)
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