Local churches join mourning for pope

Services include special Masses at cathedral

By:Donna Lukiw
   Local Catholics are joining the worldwide mourning for Pope John Paul II, remembering his kindness, selflessness and compassion while celebrating his life and his generosity.
   "We all mourn his death," Monsignor Liam Minogue of the Mary Mother of God Church in Hillsborough said. "But we can all be thankful that we had this spiritual leader for 26 years, who was able to connect to all races and faiths and especially the youth."
   Pope John Paul II had always tried to connect with the youth holding annual World Youth Days and explaining the importance of faith, charity, generosity and humanity, the monsignor noted.
   Pope John Paul II, born Karol Wojtyla in Wadowice, Poland, on May 18, 1920, became aware of his call to the priesthood 22 years later when he took courses in the clandestine seminary in Krakow after watching the Nazi occupation forces close the local university.
   He had witnessed the consequences of the Holocaust, he had suffered through communism, eventually playing a significant part in breaking it down, he mediated disputes between countries and appealed for an end to the war in Iraq.
   Although not many people have had the honor to meet the pope or hear his speeches in Rome and other cities, Monsignor Liam considers himself blessed after being invited to meet Pope John Paul II during his visit to Italy.
   "We celebrated Mass together, shook hands and the pope gave us rosary beads," Monsignor Liam said. "He also shared a few words with us."
   On Sunday, Mary Mother of God celebrated Pope John Paul’s II life with a special Mass and homily.
   At 7 p.m. Saturday, and 7:30 p.m. Sunday and Monday, St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral in Metuchen will be celebrating Pope John Paul’s II life, with a Mass remembering Pope John Paul.
   For more information on the accomplishments of Pope John Paul II, as well as speeches, letters and other published works, visit www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/.