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Monday, January 17, 2011

~ Blessed ~

by Tina~in_ut

I'm so excited.  Pope John Paul II will be beatified on May 1st.  This is one step closer to becoming a Saint in the Catholic Church.  On May 1st, he will be given the title of Blessed. 

Just a little background on sainthood.  A Saint is someone that we look to as an example of how to live our lives.  In order to become a Saint, there must be two miracles performed that are credited to you.  Once the first miracle is performed and after much investigation by the Catholic Church, the Pope must also approve, and then the person becomes a Blessed.  This is after someone nominates you for Sainthood and your life is investigated by the Congregation of Rites in Rome.  Only then will the investigation into the miracles begin.

Normally, a person must wait 5 years after their death to even be considered for Sainthood. (and no...THEY aren't waiting......WE are!)  The current Pope waived the waiting period in the case of Pope John Paul II.  He died on April 2, 2005 and in just a little over 6 years, he will be made a Blessed. 

The cure of French nun, Sister Marie Simon-Pierre, from Parkinson's disease was a miracle due to the intercession of the late pope.  The nun has said she felt reborn when she woke up two months after John Paul died, cured of the disease that had made walking, writing and driving a car nearly impossible.  She and her fellow sisters of the Congregation of Little Sisters of Catholic Maternity Wards had prayed to John Paul, who also suffered from Parkinson's.  On Friday, when the announcement was made approving the beatification, Sister Marie Simon-Pierre said John Paul was and continues to be an inspiration to her because of his defense of the unborn and because they both suffered from Parkinson's.

JPII's cause is the fastest processed on record, even beating out Blessed Mother Teresa by about two weeks who is also on the fast-track to Sainthood.  The Vatican said John Paul's tomb, currently in the grotto underneath St. Peter's Basilica, will be moved upstairs to a chapel just inside the basilica's main entrance for easier access by the public.  I've been to see his tomb twice.  The first time, there was hardly anyone there because it was so early in the morning and the hubby and I were able to spend time there.  The second time I went, I brought my kids.  The wait was SO long and they were moving people along so you couldn't really stop for any real amount of time.  My daughter saw a nun hand her rosary to one of the guards who removed one of the ropes surrounding the grave to touch it with the rosary.  My daughter ran to catch me because I had the backpack with our rosaries in it.  She went back to the guard who did the same thing for her.  She then watched as a lay person (adult) asked for the same thing and the guard denied her.  I'll never forget the look of pure joy on my daughter's face when she caught up to me and handed me her rosary. 

I realize that this may seem odd to some of you, but in our house, this is exciting.  AND, it's a huge deal at the hubby's workplace.  One more miracle, and Pope John Paul II becomes a Saint.  I can't wait~

37 comments:

Tina~in_ut said...

Good Morning~

Dianne/Denver said...

Morning--back to sleep and will read later

Dianne/Denver said...

Garage guy already called and will be here in an hour -yipee

Lynn D said...

Morning glories!

Sounds like garage guy just moved up for the fast track to sainthood.

Bebbilane said...

Tina, I think that is beautiful. You are so lucky to have such a wonderfully blessed family! :) Not lucky, your parenting shows. xo. Also, good morning!

Good morning LynnD and Dianne!! :)

Bebbilane said...

From Area 51: Dianne: Good suggestion about staying home for the next royal wedding..lol.

DeeDee said...

Good morning all....

well whaddya know...John Paul II is going to get beaticated....

As far as sainthood and all that goes I don't think awards are appropriate according to what I know about religion but I must say John Paul II was an impressive human being. Remember when he was shot? I'll never forget his visiting his assailant in prison and forgiving him...I think he is as close to the embodiment of a religious leader as I have ever seen. This man had a special gift and I always looked forward to seeing him....so its ok if he gets a title and a trophy.

This current pope has devil eyes...and I know I am judging a book by its cover but he has been pretty wishy-washy about his stance on several things....and I can't stand any religious leaders who presume to judge anyone....especially when the ones that do usually do their judging openly and loudly while wearing red lace panties and a brassiere under all that get up.

Anywho....this is exciting....not to me for the same reasons that it is exciting to Tina...but it will be a nice opportunity to get the family out for a beatification and maybe a picnic....

I personally will be running the "catholic hat" concession....any owls who come to my booth just ask for the "Hail Mary" discount...

You can say a lot of things about the catholic church...but they are experts in marketing and retail! And the fortune that waits to be made during "JOHN PAUL II BEATIFICATION DAYS" will help keep the current pope living his vow of poverty...

ya know...is it just me or does he seem to being doing that incorrectly?

whabbear said...

Tina: I agree with Dee Dee that JP was a very special person. He led an extremely interesting life, and did many courageous and admirable things as a young man, like fighting against nazi and communist oppression.

But if God exists, there is simply no credible basis for claims that He occasionally reaches out and violate his own laws for how the universe works in arbitrary ways through arbitrary people.

That means this whole "thorough investigation to verify miracles" routine is a pathetic sham. A fake. A farce. There is no real evidence that a man named Karol Wojtyla cured someone of anything in any "miraculous" way.

Postscript: This man, who did so much good in his life, were he alive today, would be fighting actively to dissolve my marriage to my husband and ensure that I have diminished status, because of his judgment that I'm not worthy of basic human rights that he would accord to others. He would be actively supporting oppressive and discriminatory laws and restrictions on personal freedom worthy of the worst oppressive of political regimes.

Ironic, isn't it?

iteach said...

Hello!

I have the same thoughts of DeeDee in regards to our current Pope, except for the eye thingy. I'm hoping to see a little more spark come from him.

I did not know about those miracles, and we are waiting for one more, right?

bonachichi said...

I perform a miracle every day when I make it to the loo on time.

Just_Lin said...

Tina This is a very interesting and thought-provoking blog. Thank you for writing it. I see that writing it did not prevent you from being all purdy and dreamy as you usually are.

Just_Lin said...

LynnD ROFLMAO!!!!

Just_Lin said...

Dianne Be sure to document the miracle of the raising of the garage door!

Just_Lin said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Just_Lin said...

DeeDee LOL @ the current Pope living his vow of poverty. Do they even take a vow of poverty? I don't know much about popedom but I guess everything he has is actually owned by the church except for a few family photos and such. He doesn't need to worry about his healthcare or how to pay the electric bill, etc., or where his next meal is coming from.

Just_Lin said...

That was my delete.....typo.

DeeDee said...

yeah....if it were truly a miracle in wouldn't have to be investigated....

It would be like HOLY SHIT!! DID YOU SEE THAT!!??"

And Robert....I found this interesting...the co-founder of FB is engaged. The gay website that I love...Towelroad...was quick to point out that he is gay...while the mainstream media are simply reporting that he is engaged...I saw that as reassuring that things are on the right path....
Obama and several political figures are in support of equality now...

Equality is coming...no matter what any church or church leader has to say about it...because as you said...thats all farce...its not real....its just something people have chosen to be involved in....and while I respect their right to freedom of religion...if they chose to use it in an attempt to lessen other people or their rights....its time to put a dent in their steeple or their Angel Moroni's.....

Just_Lin said...

Bear As human beings, we are flawed. Each and every one of us, including every Pope, imho. There was only one perfect person and that would be Jesus Christ. I, personally, think Mother Teresa was almost perfect and was certainly someone that I have the deepest respect and admiration for. She lived a life of loving her fellow humans. She talked the talk and walked the walk. One of the things I admire about her the most is that in her letters she admitted to having doubts. She had doubts but she kept giving, unconditionally, anyway. Now that is dedication and true faith, as far as I am concerned.

Plus, as I think about it, here we are, a mass of tissue, bone, fluids, and we can walk around and talk and think. We, and all other life forms, are absolute miracles. We are so amazing! Much more than they can invent in the best sci fi movie.

Tina~in_ut said...

now DeeDee~ I've been reading all the comments to Janice! That last line of yours.....that had us on the floor! Again I'm telling you, "Heaven doesn't want you, and Hell won't take you!" :D

Just_Lin said...

Bebbi Waving a wing at you, Pretty Lady.

Just_Lin said...

Bonach So you're the one that left that puddle on the naughty mat!

Tina~in_ut said...

here here, J/L~ I read somewhere that someone couldn't believe that Mother Teresa would even be considered a Saint BECAUSE she had doubts~ I thought, "Mr! ur an idiot!" Clueless~

Just_Lin said...

Tina I respect you and your religious beliefs, but I don't think I need a middle man to communicate with God.

Just_Lin said...

Jennifer How are things going for you and the kids? I'm asking that regarding your home life and also in the classroom.

Just_Lin said...

Tina (again) I love it that the guard at the Pope's tomb did that for your daughter!

DeeDee said...

Tina dear...that fine...because I think I'd prefer Hawaii....I know I know...you don't understand that..
because the bible just has heaven or hell as choices....

well how bout if I make up my own bible? Thats what the dudes did that wrote yours!

and in my NEW bible....

HAWAII IS A CHOICE!!"

Bebbilane said...

*fluttering wings madly*....sheesh..I wanna go to HAWAII toooooo!! :) :) ....!!! lemme go lemme go!!

Goood afternoon all..going home to my peaceful abode and have a nice fire and then heading out to an Open Mike night to read poetry. :) Woo hoo. :) Goodnight all...

All: I say, Live and Let Live..we all have our own stories..our own truth...and we all need to hug each other and say, yes, I love you! :)

I had to leave the Catholic church because the truth for me was that I was not accepted. Being divorced twice, not being married in the church...and a USER OF BIRTH CONTROL.....woah dang..I am just the sinner extraordinaire!

So, I believe that what works for you is great..just love each other and be kind to each other..we all have our flaws (as J/L said). Love you all...by for now..

Steps off the soapbox and falls on my ass.

Zona said...

TINA: I have always believed in Saints..and I'm very happy that Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa are on their way to Sainthood. My mom loved reading books on the Saints and would have been thrilled about both JPII and Mother Teresa..she loved them both.

Although I kinda feel bad for the next person who asked, I think it was just wonderful what the guard did for your daughter!

DIANNE: You need to find out who's practicing their football moves on your garage door...hey..maybe JE was trying to get in? Next time leave a window open..ok? ;)

BEBBI: Just love one another and be kind..perfect! **Helps BEBBI up** :)

DEEDEE: I think Heaven is going to look just like Hawaii!

Waving HI to LYNN, J/LIN, BEAR, JENNIFER and BONACHI!

Breakfast for dinner tonight! Yum! Have a great afternoon everyone!

Just_Lin said...

Zona I love breakfast for dinner! I have a bit of a cold and am feeling punky. Maybe I'll have breakfast for dinner, too.

Mary/MI said...

Tina, I know zip about the Catholic religion. I do remember wishing I was Catholic when I was younger, mostly because I loved the whole orchestrated rituals of the mass. It was a sharp contrast from my "holy roly" ,"talking in tongues" upbringing. I was never comfortable in my Father's church. I married a non practicing Catholic. His Mother took me too Midnight Mass once and I loved the peacefulness of it. The choir was amazing!
I don't attend a brick & mortar church. I am like Justlin and go right to the source:) Works for me!

bonachichi said...

Oh, DeeDee!! Did you happen to notice that The Kids Are Allright won a Golden Globe last night?? I'll bet that if you look at the credits, you can find a person who is familiar to you!!

DeeDee said...

OMG....yes I do see a familiar face..

sound re-recording mixer!!

you stinker!!

OK!! I can see it now...the sequel! They boys go out one night to a fine club where there is a beautiful torch singer....they are in their chic booth and the scene is focused on them with her just a blur of spotlight and sparkle and voice in the background....as they finish a very intense conversation the camera pans to her and focuses as she sings the last chorus of her song which is strangely relevant to their conversation...the light dances off her gown and diamonds..

and CUT!!

oh DeeDee you were fabulous!! That voice! that hair! That eye! That scene was all about YOU!!

oh and T-Bird...I'll need hot tea in the limo and a cashmere wrap for my throat...

whabbear said...

Standing Ho for Dee Dee! *rises up, applauds lustily and long*

bonachichi said...

DeeDee, it so happens that there is casting being done for dead people. I'm sure we could get a couple parts, but I don't know whether you and I could refrain from giggling if we're in the same room. Probably a no-no, seeing as we're supposed to be dead and all.

DeeDee said...

T-Bird....ga!! I know how to play dead....

just ask my last husband....

iteach said...

JustLin, Thanks for asking about the kiddos. My biological kiddos are doing great.

Philip has been doing very well in the special ed. program with his Learning Disability. His grades are improving and so his self confidence. He is still involved with boy scouts and now has started basketball at the YMCA.

Matthew is doing very well academically in kindergarten. No LD problem with him, just his mouth, LOL. He likes to have the last word.

Miss Carolyn is four and is growing too fast.

My other children in my classroom are great. It has been a fun year without any stress. So I'm enjoying it, because you never know what next year will bring. I'm still trying to block last year from my memory bank. :)

Just_Lin said...

Jennifer It sounds like all your charges, both at home and in the classroom, are doing great. That's wonderful.