Our Patron Saint

Pope St. John Paul II

Our patron saint is Pope Saint John Paul II! He had a great love for young people,  adventure and spreading the Good News of the Gospel all around the world. Below is a little more information about him from OSV Kids:

Throughout his life, Pope John Paul II was an avid sportsman, hiking nd skiing even in his sixties. In 1992, however, his health began to decline. It was later revealed that he suffered from Parkinson’s disease, a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system. Near the end of his papacy, it became difficult for him to speak, and his poor health and physical suffering made public appearances difficult. Still, he bore his suffering patiently, and continued his pastoral work despite his physical pain. He entrusted his health to God, and joined his suffering with that of Christ.

Pope John Paul II died April 2, 2005, and he was declared blessed on May 1, 2011. He was declared a saint on April 27, 2014 along with Pope John XXIII. His feast day is October 22.

Pope St. John Paul II fast facts:

•  First non-Italian pope since Adrian VI (1522-23)
•  First Polish pope ever
•  Youngest pope since Pius IX (1846-78)
•  Third longest pontificate in history of the Church (nearly 27 years)
•  Most-traveled pope in history
•  First pope to visit a synagogue
•  First pope to visit a mosque
•  First pope to call for a day of pardon
•  First pope to add five new mysteries to the Rosary

The illustration of Pope Saint John Paul II is used with permission of Shari Van Vranken of https://www.catholicpapergoods.com/. Please visit her website to see more of her work.