The recent beatification of Pope John Paul II has rekindled a deep interest and love towards Pope John Paul II. During his beatification homily, Pope Benedict XVI hailed the Pope’s “strength of a titan” in defending Christianity. “Society, culture, political and economic systems he opened up to Christ, turning back with the strength of a titan – a strength which came to him from God – a tide which appeared irreversible.”
He touched the lives of innumerable people. Here is one testimony, of a woman who dares write to the Pope. “My name is L. I am asking for help for myself and for my two children. I have many pains and sorrows; I am going through a bad period. No, that’s actually not true! It is life that I suffer. I’ve never had a moment of happiness. Everything is wrong.”
“I ask for pardon… In a moment of anger, I tore your picture to pieces. I lost faith in God. I am a prostitute, but I believe that if there is a God, he will surely forgive me. Dear Holy Father, I have always done good things in my life, but I have only received evil. I only know few sincere and kind persons; everybody has exploited me. I am suffering; I am in a very bad shape. A person owns me money, but I don’t know where he is now. If I only have that money today, I would be able to stay at home at night. Is it all the same if I don’t pray? But I speak with God, and yet I wonder why he doesn’t answer and help me.
“Holy Father, you are a good man, and maybe someday, you will become a saint, so please help me and my sons. If you look into my heart, you will see a woman who is alone, good, but unfortunately never loved. You will also know that even my mother did not love me. But I have suffered much, and my life continues to be filled with pain and sorrow. If you can see me now, I pray that you don’t let the same happen to my children – they are young, they laugh, and they make me laugh. Please help them in their journey of life; please be always close to them. Be near me also. Please don’t abandon us. I have spoken with you so many times. I have asked you to send me a man who will love me and desire what is good for me. But you know that this is not the case.”
“Holy Father, I don’t go to mass, I don’t know how to pray. But I have never done anything bad in my life; I am only sacrificing myself for my children. Holy Father, it is not good to be a prostitute. The father of my children is sick, but I will not ask anything for him. I cannot forgive him for the hell I’ve suffered through with him. Please, Holy Father, always be near me. I ask you this. I don’t have anyone but you! Please help me find my faith again. I will continue to speak with you. I love you.”
How true do these words Pope John Paul II resound, “Have no fear of moving into the unknown. Simply step out fearlessly knowing that I am with you…”