John Paul II:
In Memoriam

Back where I belong
Having been raised a Catholic and left the church for the past 54 years, Pope John Paul II, by his example has brought me back home to the church. Watching a man live what so many only talk about is the true reality of the Christian life. I was disillusioned by my own creation of flimsy excuses for not attending church and not living the life that Pope John Paul II lived. Thanks Pope John for my return to where I belong. May you rest in peace, and may I live by your example.
—Tom Burke, Dewey, Ariz.

Back in the faith
Pope John Paul II visited the Philippines twice but I never saw him because I lost faith then. Last December, I made myself a promise, to go to Vatican and see him on Christmas Eve. Before the Mass started inside the Basilica, he passed by and looked at me as if telling me finally you're here. I knew right there that I was back in the faith. Today, as I cry over the news of his death, I am not sad. I am happy that he is in God's hand now. Thank you, Karol!
—Evans Yonson, Madrid, Spain

Kindness and Love
Even as a non-Catholic, every time I saw televised footage involving Pope John Paul II I would stop what I was doing and listen. The man invoked a certain awe in me. His words, his presence....he carried about him an air of greatness like I have seldom acknowledged in any man. The world has lost a great deal with his passing but his teachings of kindness and love to all mankind will carry on in our world. Thank you God for sharing one of your true Angels here on earth.   
—David Steiner, Ely, Nev.

Rescued
I cannot fully put into words all that I owe to Pope John Paul II.  He rescued a wandering teenager from many destructive paths by his visit to America in 1987; gave an example of love, kindness, and unity to an inquisitive college student; he provided an example of dialogue to a young teacher; showed a father's love to one who has recently become a father; and showed a 30 something how to die with grace and dignity when the time comes.  I am all of those people he touched - and I know countless others like me who feel the same way.  I miss you Papa!
—Jude Huntz, Kansas City, Mo.

Greatness beyond the Catholic Church
I remember Pope Paul VI well and I remember how the world reacted when he died.  After his death, the new pope was a gentle person who became known as Pope John Paul I.  He lived such a short time as pope that there are probably few who remember him.  I am not Catholic but I do remember wondering if the new pope could possibly be as gentle & kind as John Paul was.  The new pope chose to become known as John Paul II & I knew this man was truly destined for greatness beyond the Catholic church.  The world has lost a leader who did not think his way was the only right way.  He is going to be missed as sorely as Mother Theresa has been.  May he rest in peace, he has surely earned it.
—Susan Wilson, Abilene, Texas

Ambassador from Krakow - and Heaven
My wife was born and grew up in Krakow, Poland. The pope was a very popular figure as both a pastor and cardinal in Poland. Many Polish people see him as not only Pope, but as a symbol of strength and prayer for all of the world to see. John Paul II was the symbol of everything that Poland stands for. In as much as Poland has been invaded some 17 different times throughout history, the Polish people never lost hope, never gave up, and never compromised their values. John Paul II's spirit as a Pole carried through in his mission as Pope. He never turned his head away from injustice,or moral dilemmas. He met these with the firm resolve inherent in the Polish people. With every breath, even to the last breath, John Paul II lived the gospel he preached, and served as an example of how to live for every person, no matter what their religious affiliation. John Paul II changed the world forever, in much the same way as Jesus did. He was truly an ambassador from Heaven.
—Anonymous, Milwaukee, Wis.

John Paul - You brought me back
How do I start....I thought I lost my faith, I am one of the children that was abused by a priest as a boy. I though I had lost all faith until I found myself defending both the Pope and the Catholic Church today after John Paul death. I am crying now as I write this blog. I really did not realize how much I missed going to Mass and what the Pope meant to me. I do not blame the Church for what happen to me as a boy. Thank you John Paul your death has brought me back to the Church.. I will be at Mass Sunday with my son whom has never set foot in a Church with his father. God bless and keep you...
—JC Jackson JR, Gautier, Mich.

A man of faith
Pope John Paul II crossed religious, geographical, and cultural boundaries.  I'm a Presbyterian, but tonight we all pause and remember the life and faith of this wonderful man.   Not everyone agreed with him on issues... but all can agree this was truly a man of great faith.
—Priscilla, Wilmington, Del.

A good shepherd
I remember that I was 11 years old when the elected Pope John Paul.  I waited for the white smoke with anticipation like a child waits for Santa.  I have now experienced the death of 3 popes in my life but none touched me like Pope John Paul II.  I turned away from the Church for a while but like the good shepherd he was, he spoke and I listened to his words.  Even without know it, he touched me.  I have grown closer in the last 7 years to my faith.  I will truly miss his strength and wisdom.  
—Catherine Joyce, Germantown, Tenn.

He blessed Indonesia
When Pope John Paul II kissed the Indonesian land at the first chance he landed on Indonesia in 1988 I was a child but I could felt the heavenly joy in my soul and felt as if my poor country blessed. He is the man with power that can shower every place he visited with tremendous peace. The world lost her guardian angel. I will miss Pope John Paul II, his eyes, his fatherly smile and the way he bend down and kiss the land. Be happy with God in heaven our beloved Pope.
—Debbin Malau, Jakarta, Indonesia

A loved man
Being a born again Christian I do not understand all of the Roman Catholic church doctrine. I do, however, believe that Pope John Paul II was a Godly man and he was loved by many. He worked to bring understanding to other religions and to spread peace throughout the world.
—Cyndi Woods, Moreno Valley, Calif.

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