April 24, 2014
On April 27, 2014, Pope Francis will declare two of his predecessors as saints. Blessed John XXIII and Blessed John Paul II will be canonized on Divine Mercy Sunday, a day dedicated to the celebration of mercy as instituted by Blessed John Paul II.
People from all over the globe, Catholics in particular, will celebrate this momentous event. Closer to home, the canonization of Blessed John Paul II has been met with a great deal of excitement. His canonization has special significance in the city of Mangalore.
On February 6, 1986, the then Pope John Paul II graced the port city of Mangalore with his presence. It was the first time a Holy Father had ever visited our great city.
The late Bishop Basil of sacred memory announced the news at a meeting during which I was present. Bishop Basil made several assignments to various committees in anticipation of the visit. At his request, I worked with the department of law and order to ensure that the Pope would be safe and secure during his visit to our city. We were to receive him at the Bajpe airport following which there would be a welcoming reception in a nearby venue.
Monsignor Alexander D’Souza took on the task as event coordinator. Blasius D’Souza took over the responsibility for transportation and Paul Rodrigues took responsibility for housing. I recall warm memories of my daily trips to the Bishop’s House and commuting between Kodialbail and the office of the Superintendent of Police. Kasturi Rangan, then superintendent of police, attended to all that was necessary for the safety of the Pope. Of course he worked in conjunction with the Head Quarters from Bangalore.
The Podium for the reception of The Holy Father was decorated and beautified by the students of St Agnes College under the able direction of Rev Sister Aloysius - the then Principal. St. Aloysius also organized a team of young ladies from St Agnes College to do the symbolical Aarthi.
Special photo identity passes were issued from Delhi to thirty-five people. I have saved mine as a memento of the day when I met a great man A SAINT. February 6th arrived and it was my privilege to dine with the dignitaries at the Bishop’s House after which we drove to the airport. Several of us were there to meet him at the tarmac. Finally the great moment arrived and Bishop Basil introduced Pope John Paul II to me. As I shook the hand of His Holiness, I uttered the carefully rehearsed words, “Viva Il Papa,” “Long Live the Pope.” He shook my hand with great warmth and flashed a beautiful smile. Little did I know that I was shaking hands with someone who would one day become a saint. That moment will be etched in my memory forever.
On April 27, 2014, we in Mangalore will join millions of people of good will everywhere as we celebrate the canonization of two of our former popes. The canonization of Pope John Paul II will have a special meaning for us as we remember the visit from him two score and eight years ago. Indeed, the soon-to-be Saint John Paul II will always have a special place in our hearts and in our prayers.