Sunday, April 27, 2014

National Pride Swells the Crowds for a Polish Saint


Thousands of Polish pilgrims were in Rome on Sunday in honor of the historic figure John Paul II. John Paul II, the first Polish Pope died in 2005 but on Sunday there was a canonization ceremony, which elevated him to sainthood. He became a saint along with John XXIII. The ceremony was attended by 800,000 people, including those who were all over Rome at various squares watching on large screens and those at the Vatican. This elevation to sainthood was a huge deal, as many people were camped out in the streets in order to have a good spot for the ceremony. The ceremony was not the only event as there were series of events to honor John Paul II in the days leading up to the main event. As John Paul II brought out lots of national pride in the Polish people, he also had a universal appeal. His published poems were read at one of the events leading up to the canonization. This is a great example to be of individuals being from different areas, but being connected by a common belief. Catholicism is what is uniting these different nations, and even though one country can take pride in one of their own becoming a saint, everyone who follows the catholic religion is able to take pride in a great pope being elevated to sainthood.


Monique Martinez

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