“...Honor the memory of these two holy Popes by following their teachings faithfully”.
- Pope Francis
Referring to the two new saints to whom he paid tribute as men of courage, His Holiness Pope Francis remarked how they were not afraid to look upon the wounds of Jesus... because they saw Jesus in every person who suffers and struggles. These new saints he said, were two men of courage shaped by the tragic historical events of the twentieth century without ever allowing themselves to be overwhelmed.
Pope Francis spoke of the importance of the Second Vatican Council: How these two Popes had cooperated with the Holy Spirit in renewing and updating the Church while keeping the features which the saints have given Her down the centuries.
Speaking of the two saints' service to the Church, Pope Francis highlighted John XXIII's exquisite openness to the Holy Spirit in calling the Council, and John Paul II’s particular love of the family.
May these two new saints and shepherds of God’s people, Pope Francis said finally, intercede for the Church, so that during this two year journey towards the Synod on the Family, She may be open to the Holy Spirit in pastoral service to the family. May both of them teach us not to be scandalized by the wounds of Christ and to enter ever more deeply into the mystery of divine mercy, which always brings with it hope, forgiveness and love.
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While on Sunday the Church celebrated the canonization of Saints John XXIII and John Paul II, today we celebrate the feast of Saint Catherine of Siena, a lay woman who was Divinely-inspired to advise Popes. My patroness Catherine's spirituality was dominated by Love, Truth, Obedience to God's Will, and the Most Holy Trinity. She was the first woman and the first lay person to be named a Doctor of the Church.
Always and everywhere Catherine sought and found God. Through the strength of her love she entered into union with Him.
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| Tomb of Saint Catherine Church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, Rome |
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The Pontifical Council for the Laity Women's Section has gathered, from around the world, women's reflections, testimonies, and gratitude "in honour of two popes who are saints". Please visit the website to read more about the Magisterium of both Saint John XXIII and Saint John Paul II on women.
What do you remember or appreciate most about the lives of our two newest saints?
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