Pope John Paul II, born Karol Józef Wojtyła on May18, 1920, was one of the most influential leaders of the 20th Century. His teachings and actions brought different religions closer and he liberated Eastern Europe through the revelation of religious conscious. With his call for universal holiness, he gave life a different meaning and taught the young generation how to pray, serve the Lord and be an active Christian in the lifelong process of seeking God himself through Jesus Christ.
With his example of humbleness and devotion, he showed the world the power of prayer and the sense of forgiveness and suffering. He also reassured us to "Never Be Afraid" as God is always with us.
At his funeral in 2005, the crowds at the Vatican were saying " Santo Subito" - in Italian= Saint Immediately-. This is going to start happening this year, as Pope Benedict decided to celebrate his beatification on the day of the Divine Mercy. The date of his beatification is significant as it is the day of the Feast of the Divine Mercy, which was inaugurated by John Paul II in the year 2000 while he canonized Sister Faustina Kowalska, a 20th C. Polish nun.
This John Paul II Christmas tree ornament is made of glass, in Poland, the native country of Pope John Paul II. The artisans who created this glass ornament are his fellow citizens. They make sure every detail of this Christmas tree commemorative ornament is truly represented and produce it with love, dedication, pride and honor. Thirty years ago, Polish people leaving under a difficult regime, considered a blessing to have a Pope in Rome while he was alive. Today, Polish people are enormously thankful that Poland gave the world such a great -soon to be- Saint of our times. A humble man from Krakov who was a student, a priest, a theologian, a philosopher, a musician, a playwright and a poet became the Vicar of Christ.
Pope John Paul II saw the humanity as a big family he tried to reach .His exemplary life goes far behond the one billion Catholics he influenced during his papacy. He changed the history of the world through faith.
This commemorative ornament has the date of the beatification handpainted on its back - May1,2011- almost 91 years after the birth of the blessed John Paul II. Made in Poland of glass and decorated with crystals.