Memories of Pope John Paul II By Sr. Margherita Marchione
Sr. Margherita Marchione, the "fighting Nun", recalls her special moments with John Paul II
(PRWEB) April 4, 2005 -- By Sr. Margherita Marchione - John Paul II had a
magnetic personality. The memory of meeting him on so many occasions during his
pontificate and chatting with him about each new book I wrote remains precious
to me. When I think of him, I recall his piercing eyes as they penetrated my
soul. I still feel the emotion I experienced every time he patted my cheeks,
smiled and seemed to enjoy whatever I was trying to explain. These last few
years I reminded him about Pius XII’s beatification, stating that fifty years
had passed since John XXIII stated his predecessor should be canonized. John
Paul II, in agreement, would smile lovingly. I was aware that he was waiting for
the Positio to be presented to the Sacred Congregation for Saints. Nor did I
fail to mention Pius XII in all my correspondence.
I was privileged to
visit John Paul II whenever I was in Rome: one or two times each year. For over
ten years I accompanied groups of college students for a six-week summer course
in Italian and the highlight of each trip was a papal audience. This was
followed by ten years of pilgrimages to the shrines in Italy, which included a
papal audience for each group while, at the same time, I was able to do some
research for my new books.
Each time I was privileged to attend Mass in
his private chapel and to greet him afterwards, his secretary never failed to
introduce me as a member of the Religious Teachers Filippini and a defender of
Pius XII. The many photographs I have confirm these privileged encounters and
are among my most treasured possessions, especially the one when I am wearing
the medal, Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, which I received from Pope John Paul
II.
As I presented a copy of my last book to His Holiness, I was overcome
with emotion. I realized his health was failing, Archbishop Stanislaus, his
private secretary, later asked me why I was speechless during the audience. This
was so unusual. Perhaps it was a premonition that this was the last time I would
kneel before him and receive his blessing as he patted my checks and I kissed
his hands.
An historian of the highest caliber, Sister Marchione is a
member of the Religious Teachers Filippini and holds a Ph.D from Columbia
University, was a Fulbright scholar, and author of more than 50 books.
Press please contact:
Daniela Puglielli at 908 212 7846.
# #
#
Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/4/prweb224874.htm