JP II brought me back

[PhillyMatt]

I'm a cradle Catholic, Catholic Grade School & H.S.....

Never really went to church because it was always put upon me at school, kinda like a rebellious thing. But I always felt my faith tugging at me, not only during tough times, but out of the blue.

I recently came back, with the death of JP II and have been happier than ever! This is what was missing in my life and I feel like I found it, I never felt better, spiritually and mentally. It was like coming back into a family.

I saw how great a man JP was and how people viewed and respected him and it changed my life, I even decided to learn a few more languages in his honor (French & Italian)! Has anyone else been brought closer by his death?

[Guest Rick777]

sure have! ive been really strenghtened in my vocation to religious life. He has helped me to be more open.

[philothea]

That's really cool, Matt.

JPII's death (and the non-stop media coverage) made me a lot more brave in actually saying that I'm Catholic in places that I know to be generally hostile to Christianity.

[Guest Rick777]

thats really kool

[beautyforashes]

after his death there was a lot about Catholicism in the news. it gave me really good opportunities to explain to people why i'm converting and why i believe the things i do.

[dandy777]

I am so happy to read such posts as the above. PhillyMatt, your experience is great and I am sure JPII is watching over you at this very moment.

I have always liked JPII and have followed his pontificate on TV especially during the last few years. At the moment I am reading his book "Memory and Identity". It is a wonderful book describing his spiritual journey in life as well as his life in Poland under Nazism and Communism. The language used is easy and really flowing. I suggest you read it too.

[The Joey-O]

JP II also helped me in the conversion process. I respected him as a philosopher, theologian and pastor long before I even considered becoming Catholic. The man was brilliant. It was obvious that he walked with God.