This year, as we celebrate the Solemnity of All Saints, we welcome the statues of two beloved Saints of our time – Saint John Paul II and Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta – newly placed for public veneration at the Church of the Divine Mercy, Shah Alam, Selangor.
Saint John Paul II
John Paul II was born on May 18, 1920 in Wadowice, Poland. He was the first non-Italian Pope in 455 years. He travelled extensively in an effort to promote peace and understanding among nations and religions; he campaigned against political oppression, violence and materialism. He survived an assassination attempt in 1981.
Humility, simplicity and holiness marked his papacy and left a profound impact on history. Pope Benedict XVI noted that John Paul II not only changed the world but “restored” the Church at a time when its very existence was questioned.
One of his enduring legacies is the canonisation of Faustina Kowalska on April 30, 2000, and the establishment of Divine Mercy Sunday.
John Paul II suffered from Parkinson’s disease in the last years of his life and died on April 2, 2005 at the Apostolic Palace, Vatican. Through his intercession, there have been numerous miracles especially notable was the healing of Sister Marie Pierre from Parkinson’s disease. Ten years ago, on April 27, Pope Francis canonised John Paul II.
I had my first encounter with Pope John Paul II at the World Youth Day in Manila, the Philippines, in 1995, where he touched the hearts of countless young people who were seen in tears as he blessed them.
He was close to the young people, and travelled a lot during his papacy, initiating the World Youth Day to inspire them in various ways.
I was inspired to say “yes” to the call and vocation to the priesthood at this encounter. Since then, I have kept close to him by reading about him and learning from his life of holiness.
In his speeches, he always encouraged the people with these words: “Do not be fearful, have courage”. One quote of John Paul II, which I keep close to my heart and has helped me in my vocation journey is: “Never ever give up on hope, never doubt, never tire and never become discouraged”.
Let’s gaze upon this holy Saint for all our spiritual needs, especially for a life of holiness and humble service.
Pray for us, O Holy Saint John Paul II!
Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Born on August 26, 1910 in Skopje, North Macedonia, Mother Teresa devoted her life to serving the poor and destitute around the world. She is a global figure known for her selfless attitude towards the needy and the forgotten. In the Catholic Church, this nun and missionary is known as Saint Teresa of Calcutta.
Mother Teresa founded the order of the Missionaries of Charity, a Roman Catholic congregation of women dedicated to helping the poor. Known as one of the 20th century’s greatest humanitarians, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. Her legacy continues with over 4500 nuns around the world caring for the poor.
She died on September 5, 1997 at the age of 87 in Calcutta. In 2008, Pope Francis recognised a miracle performed by Mother Teresa, of a healing of a patient with brain tumours. She was canonised in 2016.
Mother Teresa transcended boundaries of creed, colour and culture. To me she is a model of the “culture of encounter”, a value the world needs today.
After reading books on her life and service, I was even more motivated to turun padang and reach out to the needy and the poor. Her powerful actions and her daily prayers before the tabernacle are great inspirations to me until today.
She said: “Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.”
It is true that we are driven to do many things in big and successful ways, but she advices, “Don’t do big things, but do every small thing with GREAT love”. May we be inspired by her holiness and love in service.
Pray for us, O Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta!
Fr George Harrison
CDM
Nov 1, 2024
Solemnity of All Saints