As the board's resident Agnostic, I feel qualified to say a word in memoriam of Karol Jozef Wojtyla, a.k.a. Pope John Paul II without getting religious about it.

No big surprise that I didn't agree with him on very many issues. But most of those issues were not my business, since I'm not a member of the church. I've not agreed with any pope in my lifetime (even when I was a catholic), and that goes back to Pious XII.

But I thought John Paul II was one heck of a guy! Think about it: Lived through two different brands of intolerable oppression, secretly studied for the priesthood when it was against the law, survived othewise mortal injuries at least three times, helped bring freedom to his homeland, bore a chronic illness with courage and without self-pity, stuffed a prayer for forgiveness into the wailing wall ... prayed deeply, laughed heartily ... an athlete, an actor, a pontiff. What a resume!

He met his end with a level of dignity, grace and acceptance (without surrender) that's rarely seen.

I think this was a good man. He did it his way - start to finish.

May he rest in peace.

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*L*.... while i wouldnt have written it as elequently as you maggie... i was ready to post just as much earlier today... but didnt because i didnt want to cause any ill feelings with anyone here...

thanks for saying what I would have said....

and as the daughter of a POLISH mother.... i might add... that he SURE did put an end to those polish stereotypes.... ;-)

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Wondefully put, Maggie. My mother is Catholic and I'm sure she is taking the passing of the Pontiff very hard. Too bad I cannot call and offer a word of comfort, she no longer speaks to me.
I am NOT Catholic (although my mother assured me I am), but I believe in giving credit where credit is due. As Maggie stated: "What a resume!" Whether we agree with the teaching of any one particular religion or another, we must admire ANYONE that has done so much for stopping oppression and bringing freedom. This man was truly devoted....and I agree: May he rest in peace.

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Yes, may he rest in peace! He was a man of peace - and although I am also not Catholic, that doesn't mean I couldn't appreciate what he stood for and followed his entire life.

Not to mention, the man spoke MULTIPLE languages, traveled when he was so sick he could barely keep his head upright, and packed a LOT of giving into 84 years on this earth.

Pretty amazing!

Char

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Veni, vidi, velcro. I came, I saw, I stuck around.

Save the Earth - it's the only planet with CHOCOLATE!

Yes, I agree. It was with a few tears that I received the news of his passing. I think the world has lost a very great man who championed the cause of the poor and oppressed. People from all faiths and countries, while they might not agree with the Catholic church's teachings, are coming out of the woodwork now to honor him; something not often seen, and a wonderful testament to a life fully lived with a great sense of responsibility to others.

As a Catholic, it is a very sad day indeed. John Paul II was the very essence of good and peace. His passing has left me very sad. As citizens of the world, we can all rejoice in the life of a man who tirelessly worked for peace on earth and human dignity. DH and I went to Mass last night to celebrate his life and his legacy. As Maggie said, no matter what your beliefs may be, you cannot deny how he lived his life and how, to the end, his life was a testament to his faith.

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I also was a Catholic, and have a very devout mother. I did call her yesterday because I was concerned about her attitude. I shouldn't have worried. She is sorry about his passing - he was a great man - but we are sure there is a terrific welcome party going on in Heaven.
Moms comment was that she would have liked to go too. (mom is not morbid, she just feels she has lived her life fully and completely at the age of 89 and is ready to head on) I know she will be welcome there also.

He was a wonder man and leader.

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Mary Kay 1/1/04 - 232
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I'm also not a Catholic but had so much admiration for this Great Man. I bought a book of his poetry a few years back. Wonderful and inspirational. The book has since disappeared from my library but I can forgive whoever "stole" it. It was just too tempting. Plus John Paul would want me to forgive.

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Wonderful post, Maggie. Regardless of religious orientation, it was an inspiration just to see how he lived his life. I believe we have seen the passing of a great man.

Aderyn

I am not Catholic, but have many relatives and friends who are. I had great respect for Pope John Paul II and as so many have already stated, the world has lost a great soul.

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rob.... what was the title of the book of poetry? i think i would like to find that! and of course he would want you to forgive the person... heck.. he went to the prison to forgive the man who tried to KILL him...
now if THAT isnt grace... i have no clue what is...;-)

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Kim - I think it was titled The Place Within but Am not positive.

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yeppers.. thanks robby....

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