CCCB hails upcoming canonizations

Blessed John XXIII and Blessed John Paul II to receive utmost of honours

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) release a statement regarding the canonization of the two Blessed Pontiffs.

A statement has been released written by Archbishop Paul-Andre Durocher of Gatineau, the president of the CCCB, about the April 27 canonizations of Blessed John XXIII and Blessed John Paul II as well as their impact on the Catholic community.

The statement outlines the success each of the Pontiffs had throughout their papal careers. As well, Archbishop Durocher recalls his own memories and past stories dealing with both John XXIII and John Paul II.

The canonizations will be a monumental occasion as many people have close emotional connections with both Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II.

I clearly remember June 3, 1963, when the church bell rang throughout our village for almost an hour. I was 9 years old. The principal of our little school came into our class and announced, “Children, kneel down. The Pope has died.” Even though young, I understood a great man had departed, “the good Pope John,” as people called him.

Later, I came to understand that he had reached out to all men and women of good will, to love, to understand, and to teach how to work for peace. Throughout his pontificate, John XXIII always showed deep concern for the suffering and needs of the world. His famous visit to the inmates of Regina Coeli Prison in December 1958 is an excellent example of his style of pastoral care. Looking into the eyes of the prisoners, he said, “I have put my eyes in your eyes; I have placed my heart next to yours.”

For full story see the CCCB website.