Holy Mass for the Pope John Paul II

date: 09.04.2005.

On Friday, April 8, in the evening, in Saint James’ parish church in Medjugorje, there was Holy Mass for Holy Father John Paul II. In the filled church, Holy Mass was presided by the Parish priest, Fr. Branko Radoš, in concelebration with the Franciscans of Medjugorje and 41 priests from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and abroad.

In his homily, Fr. Branko recalled the main characteristics of the personality and of the pontificate of the Pope John Paul II whose first words were: “Do not be afraid!” This Pope was also a pilgrim who crossed the whole world and so awakened the sleeping hope and faith of nations. We cannot neglect the fact that he visited five times the Croatian Catholics: he came three times to Croatia and two times to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

John Paul II was also a man of suffering whose suffering and illness became an example and a sign of hope for all those who suffer and who are ill. Fr. Branko also underlined his special love for Mary, as well as his friendship for the Jews and his understanding of the mystery of Israel whom he saw as elder brothers of the Christians.

After Mass, the parishioners and pilgrims received in souvenir pictures of the great and saint Holy Father John Paul II.