John Paul II spoke to the Church and the world with his personal holiness, the depth of union and friendship with God, which resulted in sacrificial service to man. Undoubtedly, he left us a unique witness that should not intimidate us, but inspire us to acquire personal holiness on the path of love between God and man. Each and every one of us is unique and important in the eyes of God, whom we call Father, and therefore, in response to His love, we must make our lives and service a gift to Him and our neighbors. Dear members and friends of the John Paul II Foundation, dear brothers and sisters, as we thank Almighty God, the Lord of human history, today for the Foundation’s activities, let us ask that it continue to bear fruit of goodness and love, which has many names. Let us entrust to God the deceased members and benefactors of the Foundation, that the King of the kings and the Lord of the rulers may take them into His kingdom of love and peace. Let us ask for peace in the tormented land of Ukraine and wherever man raises his hand on man. Let us ask for our homeland – Poland – not to cease to be semper fidelis – always faithful to Christ and His Church and to the Successor of St. Peter. Let us pray for this, asking Mary, Mother of the Church and Queen of peace, to intercede in heaven. Let us ask for the intercession of Saint John Paul II, Patron of the Foundation. He is certainly with us today and, as always, he blesses us from the heart. Amen!
Vatican City, St. Peter’s Basilica, September 25, 2022
