+Pope John Paul II

It's true: we still love you!

With someone who has been a part of your world for over 25 years, it's hard to believe that it is three years since his death. Pope John Paul II was not the only Pope I had known (I was born during the reign of Pope Paul VI and remember his death and the election and soon-to-follow death of Pope John Paul I), but John Paul II was certainly a defining ecclesial presence throughout my youth and early adulthood.

While it's certainly true that I did not personally agree with his personal opinions on every thing, I had (and continue to have) a deep appreciation for his person as well as his pontificate. Besides his deep Eucharistic and Marian love, his sharp intellect and zest for life and people were trademarks that reflected something much deeper. It's that legacy and the richness of his global Catholic leadership that continue to provide so much inspiration.

Soon after his death, I was inspired to honor his life by composing a song memorializing some of his key teachings. Here are a glimpse at the lyrics, never before shared publicly:

SONG OF GOD'S SERVANT
In memory of His Holiness John Paul II (1927 - 2005)

Be not afraid,
Christ is before you.
Open wide your doors to Christ
go out into the world and share the Good News.

Have courage
be strong hearted
(have courage)
and filled with love.

Choose life, have no fear.
Christ is your life and guide.
He walks right with you and near.

Totus tuus.
All is yours.
Forevermore.
In the hand of our God.
I love you.
You have come
and are here with me now.

Thank God for you.
I love you.
Be not afraid.
God is ever here.
Be not afraid.
God’s love’s ever near.