He received the utmost joy from celebrating the Mass and encountering Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. Saint John Paul II kept prayer and the Eucharist at the center of his daily life. The Blessed Sacrament, the miracle that sustains us “The human body includes right from the beginning…the capacity of expressing love, that love in which the person becomes a gift - and by means of this gift - fulfills the meaning of his being and existence.”ģ. In the Theology of the Body lecture series, he shared: The call to love self and others is ingrained in our humanity. The legacy of this belief is seen particularly in his teachings on Theology of the Body. It comes from our inherent dignity as humans, the love we all deserve to receive and are called to give. This human love is more than romantic love, it extends to all people and relationships. The conviction that love is an intentional, God-given task was a common theme of Saint John Paul II’s teachings and life.
Human Love, integral to our human dignity This is a responsibility of the young people of today who will be the men and women of tomorrow, at the dawn of the third Christian millennium…Dear young people, my friends: be witnesses to the love of God, sowers of hope and builders of peace.”Ģ. “The building of a civilization of love requires strong and persevering characters, ready for self-sacrifice and anxious to open up new paths of human coexistence by overcoming divisions and the various forms of materialism. In his message for the 1987 World Youth Day, he said: Later on, his love for youth came to fruition in establishing World Youth Day, a global celebration of faith for young Catholics. His personal experience growing up amidst persecution and oppression contributed to his dedication to helping youth navigate their difficulties and temptations. He frequently led camping trips to help his youth groups experience God’s truth and beauty through nature. Young People, the future of the Churchįrom the beginning of his ministry, Saint John Paul II was committed to leading and nurturing young people in the faith. These five great loves serve as a window into the movements of his heart and soul, a legacy for generations to come.ġ.
There are countless things we can learn from the saint’s witness and words, yet five key themes emerge that are predominantly present: young people, human love, the Blessed Sacrament, the Virgin Mary, and the Cross. Throughout his lifetime, Saint John Paul II revealed his heart to the world through his many writings, teachings, homilies, and prayers.
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