POPE'S VISIT (P.S.)

Today on the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, it was announced the pope is coming to Canada.  Pope Francis is coming on July 24 - 29, to be with Indigenous peoples as part of the Truth and Reconciliation effort.

This reminds me of when another pope came to Canada.  Now St. Pope John Paul II came to Toronto for the 17th World Youth Day — July 23 to 28, 2002.  I cannot help noticing the similar date ranges between the two pope's visits to Canada; they're off by only one day.

When Pope John Paul II came to Toronto in 2002 for World Youth Day, I was on retreat at a convent in Toronto.

I was going through a divorce after a horrible marriage.

I was feeling lost, abandoned, and without hope.

Then I started hearing on the news how the pope might not make it for WYD because of failing health from Parkinson's.

I remember being overwhelmed by the desire to pray with all my heart that he would make to Toronto.

I didn't want the kids to be disappointed.

Shortly into the retreat everything changed.  I started to feel the Pope was coming for me too.  Maybe, even just for me?  This I knew was crazy. I wasn't even Catholic then. In reflecting now, I see God knew I needed someone to come for me. 

Today I find myself in the same position praying for another pope coming to Canada.

Praying he will make it so Indigenous kids and others won't be disappointed. 

Twenty years have passed since WYD 2002.  I am now a Catholic, making my home in Scarborough, and working on my own Truth and Reconciliation effort.

Good timing again for another papal visit to Canada.

Who knows how it might change everything again!

Amen


Image credit: theguardian.com

 


 Image credit: saltandlighttv 

  P.S.

I am also praying for St. Pius X kids (and seniors) in Newfoundland not to lose their church.

I'm inviting all prayer warriors I know to pray too.

 



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