Posted on 04/02/2005 11:57:08 AM PST by CitizenM
Edited on 04/03/2005 6:40:57 AM PDT by Admin Moderator. [history]
(Saturday) Vatican City, Rome Italy - The official Vatican announcement by Cardinal Ruini, is expected momentarily. Media is standing by as we watch and wait.
Synopsis of the Worldwide Two Day Vigil: "The Pilgrim Pope" - Since Thursday, March 31 and the announcement of the Popes critical condition, high fever, and urinary tract infection, and subsequent septic shock there has been a constant vigil of the faithful while media coverage has been continually providing updates along with stories, and historical information on this holiest of holy men. Early in the afternoon of Friday, April 1, international media and the people throughout the world were sent into frenzy that began immediately after the noontime Mass (where special prayers had just been offered for The Pontiffs health and peace). While Mass was still being held, word somehow spread that the Pope had lost consciousness; and then the announcement that he had also suffered kidney failure. Shortly, a (false) broadcast on networks every proclaimed that The Pontiff had died. The world held its breath and waited for the official notification, while all over the mourning began, and people dropped to their knees in St. Peter's Square. People stopped working, televisions and radio commentators spoke in solemn tones. But, no "official word came and well over fifteen minutes had passed. Finally a Vatican spokesperson announced that the Holy See was, indeed, still alive! Contrary to all announcements, his heart was beating and his brain was still functioning. Hours passed, and no news of any change in the Pope's condition was presented while people continued to pray and wonder. It was being assumed that the many procedures and preparations were being made within the Vatican. In the streets of Vatican City people noted the obvious security measures taking place: more barricades were erected, and more significant crowd control procedures were implemented in preparation for the expected rise in the vigilant. An additional number of streets were closed to motor traffic; a number of ambulances were placed on the immediate grounds for any required emergency assistance for the people. At approximately 5:00 p.m. (US EST) another announcement was made that John Paul, II was conscious and had never lost consciousness. Sorrowful, vigilant crowds have filled St. Peter Square rising to about 70,000 during the day Thursday. During that time hymns rang out spontaneously and a Rosary Ceremony was held. Churches filled with the prayerful around the world. In Poland, especially, people gathered in the streets and outside the building in Krakow where the Pope stayed when he visited what he always called home. Luminary candles were placed all over the grounds. Pilgrimages from all over Europe to Vatican City were announced underway and included Catholics and those of all faiths whose love, respect, and admiration of this Holy man transcends all religious and ethnic lines. The crows are expected to swell to over 100,000 in the Vatican. At 11:00 A.M (Rome time) Saturday, the Vatican , spokesman, Navarro-Fellas, made a statement that the Pope's condition remained very grave but basically unchanged. He was not in a coma, although there had been periods of unconsciousness ( medical commentators told us that was most likely due to the toxins that built up in his system). However, he would awaken and even interact and be alert. The spokesman related the Pope's love of the children. Note: He was so loved by them they nicknamed him Papa, and JPII.. A huge World Youth Day has been in the planning for years and was scheduled for Aug. 20, 2005, Cologne, Germany.( Message of the Holy Father To the Youth of the world on the Occasion of the 20th World Youth Day ) Navarro-Fellas related how the Holy Father had been told that mostly young people had been vigilant in the square the night before. That seemed to please him and he spoke, difficult to understand, but he said:
In the Divine Mercy Novena for Saturday the words of Jesus to St. Faustina were: "Today bring to Me the Souls who have become Lukewarm, and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. These souls wound My Heart most painfully. My soul suffered the most dreadful loathing in the Garden of Olives because of lukewarm souls. They were the reason I cried out: 'Father, take this cup away from Me, if it be Your will.' For them, the last hope of salvation is to run to My mercy."
And Pope John Paul the Great has throughout his Pontificate sought out the lukewarm to draw them to the fire of faith and the fire of love in Jesus Christ. And even now in his dying the lukewarm and the marginal and the occasional believer in God are touched by the Apostle of the Gospel of Life, Pope John Paul the Great.
Most compassionate Jesus, You are Compassion Itself. I bring lukewarm souls into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart. In this fire of Your pure love, let these tepid souls who, like corpses, filled You with such deep loathing, be once again set aflame. O Most Compassionate Jesus, exercise the omnipotence of Your mercy and draw them into the very ardor of Your love, and bestow upon them the gift of holy love, for nothing is beyond Your power.Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon lukewarm souls who are nonetheless enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Father of Mercy, I beg You by the bitter Passion of Your Son and by His three-hour agony on the Cross: Let them, too, glorify the abyss of Your mercy. Amen.
How blessed that he was lifted up to God with the prayers of all those dear people in the square.
very nice to read the Latin, Knotts. Thank you.
They've already set their clocks ahead for daylight saving time in case you want to know exact time here.
Rest in Peace, Pope John Paul II.
Was 15 feet away from him in Des Moines in '79.
Thanks to all non-catholics here who also loved the Pope. It's extremely heartening to me to read your thoughts. Very helpful, truly.
May he Rest in Peace.
Thank you John Paul for your service. God has called you back as He will all of us. Well done.
Maggio il signore li benedice e mantiene, il padre John Paul II
And also with you
God bless Pope John Paul II and may his soul rest in peace.
Oh stm, don't look at this as dreadful.... He is with God, we've lost him on earth, but he has been such a wonderful Pontiff for us... And in being so, has brought you and I closer to our God as well.... it's ok to celebrate, even through tears... :) If none of your brothers or sisters in Christ have told you today that they love you, I do....
Dave
My thoughts and prayers are with my Catholic friends & brethren this afternoon.
CNN hasn't even updated their site....they are sucking this up.
Well, the Pope is now in glory.
Be strong and of good faith.
Lord God, Our Heavenly Father,
Thank you for sharing this special soul with us. Now Your arms are open to receive him and the angels rejoice as they welcome him.
Pope John Paul II
The Holy Father, a special man.
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