|
|
 |
|
CNS Story:
|
DZIWISZ-FILM Oct-15-2008 (340 words) xxxi
Ex-secretary prays Pope John Paul will become saint in his lifetime
By Carol Glatz
Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- On the eve of the 30th anniversary of the election of Pope John Paul II, the late pope's longtime secretary prayed the pope would be made a saint in his lifetime.
Polish Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz of Krakow told reporters Oct. 15 that the world, but especially his city, was "still waiting for a saint."
"This is our great desire, and for that we pray and we hope it will happen during our lifetime," the 69-year-old cardinal said.
The cardinal spoke during a Vatican press conference presenting a new film, "Testimony," that will premiere Oct. 16, the anniversary of Pope John Paul's election. The film is based on the cardinal's book, "A Life With Karol," about Pope John Paul and the cardinal's 39 years as his personal secretary.
Cardinal Dziwisz recalled that day in 1978 when he was standing among the throngs of pilgrims in St. Peter's Square near one of the fountains and the name of the new pope was announced.
"When I heard his name, certainly my heart started beating faster, all my nerves" were pulsating during this "psychologically intense moment," he said.
After serving the pope for 12 years when Cardinal Karol Wojtyla was head of the Krakow Archdiocese and then for all 27 years of his papacy, Cardinal Dziwisz said Pope John Paul was like a father to him.
"I helped him for many years," the cardinal said, noting that he now awaits help every time he prays to the late pope for encouragement.
He said he hopes and believes Pope John Paul's sainthood "will happen at the right moment."
"Canonization doesn't create a saint, it is only recognition" that he is a saint, he said.
Msgr. Slawomir Oder, the priest in charge of promoting Pope John Paul's cause, told reporters in Rome Oct. 13 that the cause was proceeding "with seriousness and rigor."
He said Pope Benedict XVI told him many times to "do it quickly, but well, without irregularities."
END
Copyright (c) 2008 Catholic News Service/USCCB. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed.
CNS · 3211 Fourth St NE · Washington DC 20017 · 202.541.3250
|
|
|
|
