John Paul II: A Light for the World, Essays and Reflections on the Papacy of John Paul II

By Mary Ann Walsh

When Karol Wojtyla was elected Pope on October 16, 1978, he became the first Slavic Pope in history and the first non-Italian in 455 years. Taking the name John Paul II, the new Pope delivered a message in his first homily in St. Peter's Square that has resounded throughout his entire papacy: "Be not afraid "

Created for the occasion of his twenty-fifth anniversary as Pope, John Paul II: A Light for the World provides a celebration in photographs and words of the courageous pastor who guides more than one billion Catholics and has made his mark on history the world over. Elegantly designed and produced, John Paul II: A Light for the World features over 140 photographs--many of which seldom have been seen outside the Vatican--by official Vatican photographers who have captured the Pope's remarkable life and ministry for two and a half decades. These beautiful photographs are accompanied by selections from the Pope's own speeches and writings as well as essays and personal reflections by scholars and friends that provide insight into the public and private person of Pope John Paul II.

Organized into three sections--Pastor, Pilgrim, Prophet--more than forty essays by staff of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops explore the depth and breadth of the themes central to John Paul's papacy, while nearly thirty personal reflections by cardinals, bishops, and others who have had personal encounters with the Pope reveal his profoundly human, and often humorous, side.

A joint effort between the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Catholic Communications Campaign and Sheed & Ward, John Paul II: A Light for the World is the definitive commemoration of John Paul II's twenty-fifth anniversary as Pope. The book opens with a personal greeting from Angelo Cardinal Sodano, Vatican Secretary of State; a foreword by Kofi Annan, Secretary-General of the United Nations; an introduction by Bishop Wilton D. Gregory, president of the USCCB; and a historical sketch by John Thavis, Rom

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1580511422
• ISBN13: 9781580511421
• Release Date: September 2003
• Publisher: Sheed & Ward
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 2.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 10.3" x 10.4"

Customer Reviews

Remembering and Celebrating Pope John Paul II

This book not only contains a profusion of photos but also is quite informative. The reader gets a brief biography of the former Cardinal Wojtyla. One learns of the horrors of the Nazi German occupation, "Lolek's" forced labor in a stone quarry, his study for the priesthood, his lifelong interest in ethics, his love of the outdoors (hiking, skiing, canoeing, etc.). He was a quintessential Pole. After assuming the papacy, Pope John Paul II had Christmas dinner at Krakow with old friends. It is ironic that the Communist authorities underrated him. He was an advocate of all, not just Catholics. He took a lead in ecumenism, becoming a pioneer of Christian unity. He forgave Mehmet Agca, the Turk who shot him. He revived the office of the deacon. He met with countless world leaders, including Fidel Castro. He believed that universities should be places of encounter with Christ. He reached out to people of all ages, and was an active participant in World Youth Days. It is no exaggeration to say that he "always had the personal touch". This book is candid about controversial issues. It mentions such things as birth control and the death penalty. There is a list of canonizations and beautifications performed by Pope John Paul II. The best-known saint canonized by this Pope was Father Maxilian Kolbe, canonized October 10, 1982. Father Kolbe had given his life in free exchange for another prisoner at the German death camp of Auschwitz.

Gorgeous Pictorial Tribute to John Paul II

Published to coincide with John Paul II's 25th Papal anniversary in 2003, John Paul II: A Light for the World, is a stunningly beautiful tribute to the late pontiff. Rich with gorgeous photography, this beautifully designed book provides an intimate look at John Paul II and a view of the Vatican that is rarely seen outside its walls. The text (masterfully edited by Sr. Mary Ann Walsh) includes selections from the Pope's writings and speeches, essays by friends, scholars, and church leaders, as well as personal recollections that give us a glimpse of the humanity and humor of the man who led the Catholic Church for 27 years. No doubt that with the passing of John Paul II, publishers will be rushing to slap together "tribute" books. However, I can't imagine a more thorough, beautifully-produced, or inspiring a volume as this. It is the ultimate commemoration of one of the world's great spiritual leaders.

WONDERFUL TABLE TOP BOOK

This is perhaps the best picture book of John Paul 11 there is. It was a picture book of the countries that he has visited, and was published just before his twenty-fifth anniversary of his being a pope. This was worth the money. It is wonderful.