Why He Is a Saint The Life and Faith of Pope John Paul II and the Case for Canonization

by Oder, Slawomir; Gaeta, Saverio

• ISBN13: 9780847836314
• ISBN10: 0847836312
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2010-10-19
• Publisher: Rizzoli

Summary

Available in English for the first time, this engaging and enlightening biography of John Paul II argues the case that the late poper's life and deeds make him a worthy saint. A number-one best seller in Italy, Why He Is a Saint is an account of the late popers"s life, highlighting his deep Christian faith, his dedication to the Church, and his role in bringing down communism. This book delves deeply into Pope John Paul's spiritual essence, through the unprecedented light of the investigation into whether he merits sainthood. Why He Is a Saintreveals the popers life through vivid, intimate anecdotes. Among the books startling revelations are his thoughts of retirement as his health declined, and the fact that he practiced the ancient ritual of daily self-flagellation. The book includes both unpublished as well as public correspondence, such as the open letter of forgiveness to Ali Agka, his attempted assassin. It also examines the popers severe acts of penitence and documents his miracles. This impassioned plea in favor of canonizing the pope as a saint has proven to be of profound interest to Catholics worldwide, as well as to anyone interested in faith and spirituality.

Author Biography

Monsignor Slawomir Oder was one of the first Polish priests ordained after the collapse of communism in 1989, making him a true beneficiary of Pope John Paul II's courageous anti-Soviet efforts. Since September 2001 he has been Judicial Vicar of the Appellation Tribunal of the Vicariate of Rome. He now leads the campaign to canonize Pope John Paul II.

Saverio Gaeta, formerly of the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, is now editor-in-chief of Famiglia Christiana. He has authored books on major Catholic figures, including Mother Teresa and Padre Pio.

Table of Contents

Preface: The Unknown Face of John Paul II	p. 1
The Man	p. 9
Faith in Flesh and Blood
"Uncle" Karol
The Priest Born from the Ashes of an Actor
Undercover in the Seminary
The Phantom of the Double Homicide
In the Service of God and of His People
With His Arms Extended in the Sign of the Cross
Totus Tuus
All in the Light of Faith
The Lessons of Vatican II
Reconciling Culture and Pastoral Duties
In the Chill of Nowa Huta
In the Sights of the Polish Intelligence Service
A Fiery Sermon
The Bells of Pope Paul VI
The Prophetic "Habemus Papam"
The Pope	p. 73
The Second Home of the Poles
A Pole on St. Peter's Throne
Choosing His Colleagues
A Firmness Underpinned by Humility
"It Will Take Blood to Convert"
The "Open Letter" to Ali Agca
"Open the Borders of the States"
The Collapse of Communism
The Heir to St. Paul
In the World's "Hot Zones"
A Matchless Magisterium
In Dialogue with the Other Faiths
"There Is No Place in the Church for a Pope Emeritus"
The Father's Return Home
The Mystic	p. 133
Traveling Up the River to Its Source
Blessed Are the Poor
The Essential as a Form of Liberty
A Creative and Poetic Body of Thought
Illuminating the Path with the Fire of Prayer
A Utility Closet as a Chapel
With a Heart Devoted to His Homeland
Taking Inspiration from the Saints for the Practice of Virtues
The Prediction of Padre Pio
In "Conversation" with the Virgin Mary
"If I Weren't Pope, I Would Already Be in Medjugorje Confessing"
In the Sign of Suffering
The Stations of the Cross in the Hallway
Epilogue: A Tribute to the Truth	p. 177
Concise Chronology of the Life of Karol Wojtyla-John Paul II	p. 181
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