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From Zenit Vatican News....

ZENIT: It is also said that John Paul II desired to visit Medjugorje. Can you confirm this? Monsignor Oder: Speaking privately with his friends, the Pope said more than once: “if it were possible, I would like to go.” They are words that must not be interpreted, however, with a character of recognition or of being official in regard to the events in the Bosnian country. The Pope was always very careful in what he did, knowing the importance of his post. There is no doubt, however, that things are happening at Medjugorje that are transforming people’s heart, especially in the confessional. So the desire expressed by the Pope should be interpreted from the point of view of his priestly passion, that is, his wish to be in a place where a soul seeks Christ and finds him, thanks to a priest, through the sacrament of reconciliation or of the Eucharist. ZENIT: And why didn’t he go? Monsignor Oder: Because not everything is possible in life …
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Canonizations, Crowds, and Angst.

As I ready myself for a jaunt to Rome and Vatican City I find myself experiencing more of a desire to stay home. Don't get me wrong, I am very appreciative of my family making the sacrifices for my trip. And I look forward to seeing a part of the world that has, in many ways been on the geographic periphery of my life (for obvious reasons). But it wasn't supposed to be this way.  I wasn't supposed to be heading there without my son and my lovely wife. While the friendship I share with my old classmate is what provided this opportunity--I am just a little out of place. Allow me to explain... The purpose of the trek is to go and participate as part of the cloud of witnesses to the canonizations of Popes John 23 and John Paul 2. My friend and old seminary classmate proposed this adventure a few months back. He had reserved space at a religious house in Rome and asked if I wanted to accompany him.  The plan is to be at the Vatican for a few days then on to visit his c...
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John XXIII and a possessed woman

My day in the Eternal City.... Lines at security at 7 am to get into St Peters. Holy Mass over the body of S. John XXIII....pretty cool considering he will be canonized in 48 hours. Since it was my first time in front of the actual Chair of Peter, I meandered for some time and watched the sunlight light up centuries of inspired and perspired creations.....Bernini and Michelangelo and so many more. The crowds poured in. I waited in line to order a 'new' papal blessing. Found a pizzeria and had a cappuccino with a simple pizza while gypsies with accordions worked the street. I  witnessed young seminarians or priests walk by, all day, in their best attire, clean shaven with combed hair. Young couples holding hands, musicians and acrobats and men fixing streets I walked through town over the Tiber and through some churches and basilicas...offering prayers, wondering, watching, praying. Gazed at three Caravaggios and fell in love with good live art. I prayed before crosse...
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