Per Christum

I would not be Catholic today if it were not for John Paul II. I began to think about it this week as I reflected on his death three years ago. Basically, my conversion from Protestantism to Catholicism (more details can be found here) probably never would have occurred if it weren’t for the late holy father.

First, his personality and spiritual integrity loomed large. While most of my Episcopal leaders were effete elitists, John Paul was a true man, and a man of the people at that. He brought down communism, spoke out on behalf of the poor, and also found time to record a CD; he was a true Renaissance man. His charisma didn’t hurt either: as a lifelong U2 fan, I admit that the photo of him wearing Bono’s “fly” sunglasses impressed me.

Second, the wisdom flowing from his encylicals and other writings encouraged and touched me in so many ways. Unlike the watered down vagueness of my mainline Protestant background, I knew any teaching coming from the Vatican would be solid, meaty, and well-reasoned, even if at the time I couldn’t quite agree with every word of it. Reading the brilliant Catholic Catechism, a product of John Paul’s pontificate, finally answered my most stubborn Protestant objections at a crucial time.

Third, he was ecumenical, yet honest. I knew that John Paul loved me and respected me as a Protestant, so much that he refused to lie or hide the truth of the Catholic Faith. He believed I was a Christian, but called me to the perfect and fullest expression of that Faith. In short, he loved me and others like me enough to tell the truth of Christ’s Church with the gentleness of a true pastor.

Although my academic interests, liturgical orientation, and goals for the Church may be closer to Pope Benedict’s, John Paul’s witness brought me and countless others to Catholicism and for that I will be eternally grateful.

Ven. John Paul II, pray for us!