The One Book, One Diocese summer selection is entitled, A Life with Karol: My Forty-Year Friendship with the Man Who Became Pope by Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz. For those of us who aspire to be saints one day, getting to know Blessed John Paul II a little better can be at once a source of inspiration and a roadmap to holiness. From this pseudo-biography, the reader gains insight into the private man who took center-stage as a popular and active modern-day pope.
The structure of this work is somewhat different from what we are accustomed to when reading a typical biography. Cardinal Dziwisz serves as the editor of a narration about John Paul by Gian Franco Svidercoschi whose words are italicized throughout the work to help the reader distinguish between his voice and that of Dziwisz, the latter’s being characterized by normal type. These two "speakers" attempt to reveal some of the mystery behind the man by beginning their coverage of the major events of Karol’s life in Poland, followed by his years in the Vatican.
The millennial celebrations of the faith in Poland, his relationship with Cardinal Wyszynski, the building of the church in Nova Huta and his role in the Second Vatican Council are all part of the rich background in the making of this prominent philosopher, theologian, preacher, teacher and churchman who becomes arguably the most influential pope in modern times. During his papacy, John Paul’s major themes and events are brought to the fore, such as: his numerous encyclicals, his world travels, the World Youth Day event he established, the new ecclesial movements he inspired and approved, and the Third Millenium celebrations. Getting special attention is the assassination attempt on the pope’s life and his influence in the eventual fall of communism.
The book is informative while being enjoyable to read, as it does not take on a scholarly or technical tone. The author uses this work to pay tribute to the man whom he considered a father and a teacher to him. These churchmen not only shared an abundance of time together, strengthening their bond of friendship; they also shared a simple love for Catholicism, for their priesthood and for the Church. If the reader is looking for an unveiling of John Paul’s hidden weaknesses, quirks or peculiarities, he will be disappointed. But that is not to say there is not a lighter side to what is contained within the pages.
While most people are familiar with John Paul’s athleticism and his love for skiing as a young man, few are aware that he made more than a hundred secret expeditions outside of the Vatican to sneak away quietly to a mountain to hike, ski or simply to enjoy some prayer in the Great Outdoors. Dziwisz even confesses to cooperating in the schemes to sneak the Holy Father past the Swiss guards without detection. Both took delight in their successful secret escapades.
In the end, the reader will not be surprised to be reminded that this special pope hailed by many as John Paul the Great is very simply a man of God. He was in love with God and wanted nothing less than for everyone around him to share in that love. Hopefully, all who read this little book will gain not only a bit more understanding of the make-up of a great pope, but also will be inspired by his holiness of life. In what truly matters, the saints actually have no real secrets.
-
Youth Protection +
-
Evangelization & Catechesis +
-
Catholic Schools +
-
Youth Ministry +
-
Family Life & Discipleship +
-
News & Media +
-
Directory, Maps & Mass Times +
-
Diocese Home +
