What are your personal thoughts on the beatification of Pope John Paul II?

Leonard Kristian Mesa, Isabela: It raises the question, “Is being good all that matters”? The beatification does not really affect our lives, our economy, and the society, whether we admit it or not.

Ruel Bautista, Laguna: It would be selfishness to say I love him because every Filipino loves him. We love you, blessed Pope John Paul II.

Blessed John Paul II

Ruben Viray, Antipolo City: Pope John Paul II is now nearing sainthood. His beatification will entitle him to be called “blessed” in the world of Christianity. His miraculous curing of Sister Simon-Pierri and dozens of his sainthood contributions to Catholics around the world made his beatification possible. His 26 years of papacy and new vitality to the Vatican added to his qualification for a blessed title. I am so proud of our Blessed Pope John Paul II. May God be always with you.

Josephine Buenafe, Metro Manila: On the beatification of Pope John Paul II, the Church does not only recall and confirm his deeds as a supreme pontiff of the body of Christ, but also affirms who he really was and is, “blessed” by the grace of God.

I saw him in person

Col. Dencio Acop (Ret), Baguio City: Like many Christians around the world, I am profoundly happy that our beloved Pope John Paul II will be undergoing beatification today, taking him a step closer to his sainthood. To me, Karol Josef Wojtyla is already a saint. In this day and age, when there is just so much wrong in the world, celebrating the life and times of a good man is simply most welcome. I remember when, as a member of the Presidential Security Group, I helped protect Pope John Paul II as he visited the country for World Youth Day in January 1995. As the Pope was about to depart the bishop’s residence in Manila, we lined up to bid him farewell. I still have that photo kissing the Pope’s ring hanging on my wall at home. I also have his blessing hanging on the same wall from my visit to the Vatican in 1994 as a member of the advanced party for former President Ramos’ visit to the Holy See that year. My wife and I also visited the Vatican in 2000, walked through the Holy Door, and participated in the celebration of the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist officiated by the Bishop of Rome at Saint Peter’s Square.

Louella Brown, Baguio City: Like other Catholics worldwide, I feel blessed, too, as Pope John Paul II is beatified. I saw him up close when he passed by Burnham Park in Baguio City.

Ruben Logarta, Manila: Saw the Pope personally in Bacolod City during his Papal visit to the Philippines back in 1981. I have photos of him passing the main street from the airport to the reclamation area, were SM City now stands.

Pitts Hizon, Pampanga: During his first visit in 1991, I was one of the multitudes queuing along Roxas Blvd. to catch a glimpse of the Holy Father on his way to the Manila Cathedral. Upon seeing his angelic face, tears of joy rolled down my cheeks. His charisma and outpouring of love on mankind of different religions can transcend any barrier that divides people. It is no surprise that his beatification followed shortly after his death in April 2005.

Well-loved pontiff

Larry Parroco, Metro Manila: He really is the darling of every Filipino Catholic. One will surely be charmed by his smiles. He is as charming as his Creator.

Mike Herrera, Cabanatuan City: He was well-loved around the world. Indeed, we will always remember and cherish him in our hearts.

Miguelito Herrera, Cabanatuan City: It is a confirmation of our strong religious belief that he will guide us all. He was truly blessed and truly the most popular Pope of all time.

Robert Young Jr., San Juan: Viva il Papa!

Man of God

Johann Lucas, Quezon City: Praise God. There is so much goodness and love in this man of God. His works, writings, prayers are kept alive in the hearts of people of different religious denominations. Pray for us, Blessed Paul, for our spiritual and temporal needs.

Rey Ibalan, Antipolo City: Pope John Paul II truly deserves to be beatified. He was a man of God and had shown love for mankind, especially our less fortunate brethren.

Armando Tavera, Las Piñas City: He really is a man of God and this showed in his actions and gestures. He went out of his way to be closer to the people, especially the poor.

C.B. Manalastas, Manila: The beatification of Blessed Pope John Paul II is the fastest in history. “Pope John Paul II, we love you” the shouts reverberated over the nation and the world, for this saintly modern-day Pope who inspired and touched the hearts and lives of both Christians and non-Christians all over the world, wherever he visited. Blessed John Paul II is a model of simplicity, openness and compassion. The extraordinarily fast process by the Vatican to beatify him shows that he was indeed God’s man and instrument.

I love his philosophy

Kristian Riz Aguilar, Cavite: Though I’m not Catholic, I love Karol Wojtyla’s philosophy. I’m happy for Pope John Paul II.

A blessing to mankind

Renato Taylan, Ilocos Norte: For his holiness and pureness of heart in loving and serving Jesus through his people, his beatification is a blessing to mankind.

Proof of God’s love

Nescel Panes, Passi City, Iloilo: For God so loved the world that He gave us His only Son (John 3:16). This is the first line of the 1995 World Youth Day theme song held in Manila. The event was inspired by the presence of the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II. Ten years after, the Pope died. And now the Roman Catholic Church is celebrating his beautification as a process towards sainthood. The Pope is indeed full of love and compassion. He is an instrument and proof that God truly loves man among His creations.

Isir Seguerra Eduarte, Las Piñas City: Blessed Pope John Paul II was God’s representative to all of us who believed in Him and he continues his calling now that he’s with Him.

I love John Paul II. He seemed to exemplify the love and kindness of Christ himself. I really miss him. He reached out well beyond his Church to all peoples of the world, and for that, I greatly appreciate him. John Farr, Decatur, Georgia

Dr. Jose Balcanao, Benguet: Pope John Paul II highly deserves to be a saint because he is a man of virtue beyond compare. He is really a man of God who loved all races without discrimination. He is an instrument of peace throughout the world since he advocated a non-violent solution to all violence. And he is a defender of the youth.

Noel Alquiza, Metro Manila: The beatification of Pope John Paul II once more confirms the word of the Lord in the Scriptures for all the saints: “If any man serve Me, let him follow Me and My Father will honor him (Jn 12:26) here on earth (in the Church), as it is in (the kingdom of) heaven.

Pope of Popes

Elpidio Que, Vigan: Polish Karol Josef Wojtyla, the first non-Italian to become Pope John Paul II, was a true man of God. He was a living saint, just like Albanian Mother Teresa of Calcutta. My eyes get wet whenever I see him in pictures or on TV, then and now, in so much pain, appearing in public for his role as the Pope of all people. I know that there were many other reforms in the Church that he wanted to do, but age and Parkinson’s disease denied him the chance to do so. He is the first among his equals, the Pope of Popes. Even if not yet declared a saint, I believe that we can ask him for his intercession with the Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth up above for whatever agonies we have.

He reached out to all faiths

Elmo Cruz, Manila: May the beatification, and ultimate declaration as saint, of Pope John Paul II be a fountain of hope for many Catholics that their prayers are heard in heaven through his intercession and serve as an inspiration for all to live in holiness. His humility was best exemplified when he begged for an apology from the Jewish people for the hatred spread around by some Christian groups and his travel around the world to reach out to the least of our brethren, despite their different religious beliefs.

J Deo Durante, Camarines Sur: ohn Paul II deserves this highest honor given by the Church hierarchy, due to his zealous endeavor to unite humanity despite different creeds and religions. He was instrumental in fostering peace among the non-Catholic faithful and his approach was universal.

Jose Fabello Jr., Cagayan de Oro City: He connects to millions of people, Catholics and non-Catholics alike, and that includes, of all people, me! He deserves the title. Thumbs up.

Tony Gomez, Parañaque City: He is the one and only Pope who has reached out to the most number of people. It can only be because he was concerned.

June Deoferio, Cavite: Pope John Paul II was a man of holiness, humility, with a love of mankind, that he binds every religion to one another. He deserves to become a saint.

Patron saint of Parkinson’s Disease

Ishmael Calata, Parañaque City: I anticipated with a prayer that the beatification of Pope John Paul II the Great will happen; that a possible title will be accorded to this extraordinary man of God. I hope that the beloved Pope, known as JP II, will also be given the title even only as a minor one: the Patron Saint of Parkinson’s Disease Victims. There are millions of victims around the world and no cure has yet been found. And so, just after the May 1, 2011 6 o’clock morning mass at the Mary Help of Christians Shrine in our Better Living Subdivision, I texted friends, especially those in religious congregations, and relatives, to include my wife, Flor, a victim of this incurable disease for about 10 years now, in their prayers on this day of the beatification, keeping my faith that a miracle may yet happen through the intercession of this saintly Pope, who was, himself, afflicted with this disease during the last few years of his reign as head of the Catholic Church.

A well-deserved title

Ignacio Anacta, Metro Manila: The beatification of the late Pope John Paul II today is well-deserved. He was one of the few great Popes, touching so many lives with his humility, wit, compassion and sincerity.

Martin de Venecia, California: Well-deserved. A true saint!

Lucas Banzon Madamba, Laguna: Pope John Paul II deserves the honor and the recognition. He has helped transform the lives of hundreds of thousands of people who have sought the guiding light of God, as well as those who went astray before and who have returned to the light of hope that the Almighty God has given.

Raymar Gurrea, Bacolod City: Pope John Paul II is a man of peace, love and humility. His beatification leading to sainthood is just proper and right.

The world needs more saints

Desuel Pardo, Mandaluyong City: Sana maraming mabasbasang santo ang Iglesia Catolica Romana upang makatawan nila ang mga panalangin ng napakaraming makasalanan. Sa dami ng mga nanunukso sa mga tao na magkasala, di na makayanan ng kakaunting santo ang pagbabantay ng 24/7 sa laksa-laksang makasalanan, kaya higit pang dumarami ang mga makasalanan kaysa mga banal.

Jun Montebon, Parañaque City: With the beatification of Pope John Paul II, sana mabawas-bawasan ang mga chismosa/o sa mundo.

Journey to sainthood

Manny Felipe, Quezon City: His life was an example of holiness coupled with sacrifice. I hope his canonization takes place within my lifetime.

Rex Earlou Calmerin, Iligan City: Like Jesus, Pope John Paul II filled the world’s darkest corner with His light, telling the world of His love. No doubt, he will become a saint.

Jim Veneracion, Naga City: Pope John Paul II deserves to be called blessed, and eventually a saint. He had a refreshing charisma and lived a holy life worth emulating.

Always thought of him as a saint

Rodolfo Talledo, Angeles City: I’ve considered him a saint since he was still living and I never neglected to pray to him in my daily prayers. I am vindicated in my belief.

Rose Leobrera, Manila: He was a living saint already during his time. He loved the poor. He loved the Philippines, too, and right now, I am already asking for intercession that my prayers will be granted. I love the Pope. I saw him when he was here. He is very saintly.

Meldz Bohol Refil, California: I love you, Saint John Paul II.

A source of inspiration

Alexander Raquepo, Ilocos Sur: May he be an inspiration to all of us.

Pedro Alagano Sr., Vigan City: It is a fitting tribute and gratitude to his works and holy sacrifices, being a Pope that inspired the multitude. Hallelujah!

Jesus is our only intercessor

Germi Sison, Cabanatuan City: According to the Roman Catholic Church process of beatification of a man, he must have manifested his hallowedness during his lifetime and showed at least two miracles after his death. Those canonized as saints are believed to be already in heaven and can intercede in behalf of the living praying through him/her. Critics, and that includes Roman Catholics also, say that beatification from the papacy is a form of perpetuating the Roman Catholic Church, while others, who are non-Roman Catholics, believe that no man who died on earth is already in heaven. I respect the Roman Catholic beatification of man into sainthood, but as a Protestant, I believe saints are those who are living according to the will of God, even if they are still around (Matt 12: 49-50; Mk 3: 34-35; Lu 8: 21), and Jesus Christ is our only intercessor.

J.R. Mondonedo Jr., Parañaque City: He was a true man of God, but still no one, not even a saint, can be compared to the works of Jesus. We can all try our best to be Christ-like, but never be like Jesus. Remember, all saints, including Pope John Paul II, were all humans, so they have committed sins also, but not Jesus. So, my personal thoughts on the beatification of Pope John II and all other saints? Nice work done, but I would never worship them, like what others are doing. Nevertheless, I’m sure I will never be able to do what they did, but what is important to me is my relationship with Jesus.

A cover-up?

Edwin Castillo, Tanauan City: The sainthood procedure seems to be done in haste. I have a bad feeling this is a cover-up for sex scandal cases of many priests in America and Europe.

Views expressed in this section do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of The STAR. The STAR does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of readers exercising their right to free expression. The publication also reserves the right to edit contributions to this section as it sees fit.

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