Papal: November 2005 Archives

Several miracles suitable for beatification have been attributed to John Paul II. The article, alas, gives no information on the alleged miracles, except that one in France is being scrutinized for his beatification. Although they are getting ahead of themselves; he hasn't even been declared venerable. (Though, did Blessed Teresa of Calcutta go through that stage? I certainly don't recall it.)

I've said this before, but I just think it's so cool to belong to a religion that not only believes in miracles, but requires them as a condition for routine declarations.

Think about it ... what are the chances of having two awesome popes in a row? Check out these excerpts from the Pope's address to the Austrian bishops. I interpret it as him gently dressing them down for the disaster of secularization in their country. "A Catholic teaching that is given in an incomplete manner is a contradiction in itself and cannot be fruitful in the long term." "Think of the way in which, little by little, the teaching of religion, catechesis at the different levels and preaching can be improved, deepened and, so to speak, completed. . . . Please, use the Compendium and the Catechism of the Catholic Church with zeal." "The spark of Christian zeal can be lit again." I urge you to follow the link, it isn't long.

This is a pope who is willing to firmly preach the Gospel in an inspiring way. I see in him a true pastor. Some say he is not charismatic but I think he is, in his own way. May God grant him many years!