Video of John Paul II's Beatification

Here is a 2 minute clip of Pope Benedict XVI officially declaring Pope John Paul II beatified and the revealing of Blessed John Paul II's official portrait.

John Paul II is blessed!

Pope John Paul II was beatified today in a ceremony before 1.5 million pilgrims in Rome.

Here is an excerpt for Pope Benedict's address about the now Blessed John Paul II:

“By his witness of faith, love and apostolic courage, accompanied by great human charisma, this exemplary son of Poland helped believers throughout the world not to be afraid to be called Christian, to belong to the Church, to speak of the Gospel.”

Here is a link to the full text of Pope Benedict's Homily

Below are some articles on today's ceremony

Article 1 - CNA
Article 2 - Catholic Online
Article 3 - Catholic Online
Article 4 - America Magazine
Article written by Archbishop Timothy Dolan about being a "John Paul II Priest"

The Soon to Be Blessed John Paul II

Earlier this trimester we talked about the papacy and influence of Pope John Paul II.  In preparation for his Beatification on May 1, 2011, Christopher Stefanick the director of Youth, Young Adult and Campus Ministry for the Archdiocese of Denver has written an excellent article entitled "What Made John Paul II Truly Great." 

Below is an excerpt from the article and below that is a link to the full text (I promise it’s not that long).

Pope John Paul II’s influence, position, and impact on the course of history made him a very, very “big deal.” But his superhuman love for each individual he encountered is what made him truly “great.” And it’s that holy love of God beating in the heart of a man that is about to get him beatified. It’s not his power, social impact, or his charisma as a leader.

Full Text of "What Made John Paul II Truly Great