It seems just like yesterday when I watched him in his Papal visit in the Philippines in 1995. I was so awed by him that in a span of four days, I had composed a dozen of poems. I was so inspired by his presence, the way people cheered for him and love him, the overwhelming love and kindness manifested by him….Aaaahhhh, that was a very wonderful sight to see.
Now, I saw in the news that he will be beatified on May 1, 2011. Wow! I am not surprised. His kind deserves that. He is a holy man of God. I am happy, such a man lived in my life time.
Let me share with you some of my poems in 1995. This was how he moved me:
THE CHOSEN ONE
Amidst the crowd you speak
With warmth, love and smile on your eyes,
Radiating peace and serenity
Upon your shining face.
How my heart leaps with great joy
As I see you, as I hear you
Address us, the youth.
I hear, I feel your sincerity and
Your love for us.
I thank the Lord for giving us
Such a wonderful father here on earth.
Yes, I thank the Lord for making you
The successor of St. Peter.
Indeed, our Lord knows best.
Indeed He has chosen well.
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SO DEAR TO OUR HEARTS
Like a father you guide us
With abundant love and understanding,
A gentle touch, a cheerful smile,
A caring whisper, and affectionate words.
The sincerity in your eyes reveals
The genuine feeling you have for us.
Yes, your very being speaks the deep love
You are giving us.
That is why, our beloved Pope,
You are so very dear
To our hearts.
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THE CELEBRATED MOMENT
The crowd go wild as you appear
Before them…. cheering, shouting,
Waving, clasping,
A sign of overflowing joy
They feel deep within,
For in you they see the glory of the Lord….
His grace, His love, His peace, His joy.
Through you the Lord reaches out
To the people.
You are His instrument,
His most humble servant.
As the roaring moment
Ascends to the heavens,
The echo of the people’s love
To the Lord God is heard everywhere.
With one voice, they proclaim their faith
And their praises to the Most High….
The crowd go wild as you appear….
The strong link between humanity
And Jesus Christ.
We salute you, JP2!!!
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A PRAYER FOR JP2
Glory to You, oh Lord, the Most High.
Praise be with You always.
We, Your people, thank You with all our hearts
For entrusting us to a loving,
Humble servant of Yours.
Lord, please give him the strength he needs
So he can continue fulfilling
The duties and responsibilities
You laid upon his shoulders….
Guide him, oh Lord,
Continue to light his path,
To give him Your grace, your overflowing
Love and understanding;
To give him Your humor, humility, and peace.
Above all, Most gracious One,
Protect him from evil and let him know, oh God,
That we will always love him, your humble servant.
To You, our Beloved Creator,
We offer our deepest love and gratitude.
To You, oh Most Holy One,
We offer ourselves and your humble servant,
Pope John Paul II. Amen
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PAPAL FEVER
Everyone is excited,
Waiting for his arrival.
All are anxious, eager to see him.
Alas! The long wait has come to an end.
Mixed emotions are felt by all.
There are tears, smiles, shouts,
Waves, enthusiasm, tremendous energy –
The warm and joyous welcome of the people.
All throughput his visit is seen.
Everywhere he goes, sea of humanity
You can see with overflowing
Love and affection in their eyes….
Millions of people are touched by
Mixed emotions just as they have
Seen him arrived and as they have seen him depart.
He truly has after effects….
On so many lives.
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