The Pope has passed away

[Motorboat Cruiser]

Just thought I would start a thread and share some of my thoughts about the passing of John Paul II.

I know that there are many non-believers on the boards. I would consider myself one of them. Still, I do recognize that this was a remarkable man who did much to better the world. His reaching out to other religions is something that was unheard of before his reign. He was a courageous man who lived such an interesting life.

I am saddened by his passing. I think he was a man who had firm conviction in what he believed. I also think he was a compassionate and loving man who lived his life as a fine example of his faith and religion. I didn't agree with many things that he did or that the Catholic Church stands for. I do respect though that he did what he believed was right. I can respect him for the good that he did without agreeing with all of his beliefs.

I am happy that he is not suffering anymore. Parkinson's disease is a horrible illness. I wish him peace wherever he is and mourn his loss.

I know that a lot of people may not agree with these sentiments and I respect that. Again, I just think it is possible to have compassion and respect for someone who you also may strongly disagree with.

Your thoughts?

[Kevy Baby]

Wonderful sentiments MBC. I would agree with most of what you said.

I don't consider myself a "non-belliever," I just follow a different path than Christianity and Catholicism. This is not the time or place to air my grievances, so I shall keep to myself for now out of respect.

Two humourous bits: The Pope's plane is called "Shepard One." The other will only make sense if you are a fan of Mel Brooks' movies (particularly "Blazing Saddles" and "History of the World, Part I"), so Not Aclue won't get it. The Catholic commentator being interviewed on a news channel GusGus was watching referred to PJP-II as a "Gifted" Pope.

Rest in Peace Pope John Paul II. And a blessing to the Catholic church for a smooth and successful transition.

[Mousey Girl]

My sympathies to Catholics everywhere.

[Kevy Baby]

I found this description on selecting a new Pope for those interested.

[€uroMeinke]

I recall at one point he laid a lot of blame on the worlds ills on "atheism" - which I think, was a euphamism/synonym to him for communism. Still, replace that noun with a more familiar one, and it was hate speech pure and simple.

It will be interesting to see what the next Pope will bring.

[AllyOops!]

As a practicing Polish Roman Catholic, my heart, along with millions of other Catholics, is filled with such sadness. Today, I lit a candle for our Holy Pontiff, and I kept praying things would look up even when they took a turn for the worse. You always keep hoping.

Motorboat Cruiser, what kind and wonderful sentiments. I was truly touched by your words! He was, indeed, a truly remarkable emissary of God. It has always been a dream of mine to visit the Vatican and attend a Mass given by Pope John Paul II. I am so sorry that I never got that chance.

I try to be a good Catholic, although I may not always agree with certain beliefs my Religion holds. I was always in awe of the Pope, however. I remember growing up, and attending Private Catholic school, the Pope's friendly portrait always greeted me whether I was in Church, the school hallway, or the faculty office. And on a personal note, his smile always reminded me of my late Grandfather's. He just had that warm, welcoming expression on his face.

Now, in the please don't-let-me-go-to-hell department, did anybody happen to witness the Fr. Thomas Williams coverage on NBC? Two words: Sweet Lordy. Hotness in a Clerical Collar.

Father, please forgive me.

[scaeagles]

He was someone who inspired this non-Catholic in quite a few ways.

I remember when Sinead O'Conner ripped his picture up on SNL. I never quite understood that.

I was amazed at his effectiveness in assisting with the downfall of the Soviet Union. I think without him, Thatcher and Reagan have a much more difficult time.

MBC, good words, you wordsmith, you.

[MickeyLumbo]

Originally Posted by AllyOfTheDolls

Now, in the please don't-let-me-go-to-hell department, did anybody happen to witness the Fr. Thomas Williams coverage on NBC? Two words: Sweet Lordy. Hotness in a Clerical Collar.

Father, please forgive me.

i hear ya, sister

[MickeyD]

Originally Posted by MickeyLumbo

i hear ya, sister

In high school, we always called priests like that "Fr. Whatawaste".

[AllyOops!]

Originally Posted by MickeyD

In high school, we always called priests like that "Fr. Whatawaste".

In High School, one of my Religion instructors was Fr. Moore. Or, as I called him, Fr. "Gimmee Moore". I would always attend his Masses, and dreamily swoon. He was young and muscular, with a dark tan, and had piercing blue eyes. His nickname was "Clark Kent" because he looked exactly like Christopher Reeve in the Superman movies.

He was my first "grown-up" crush. I was so smitten that I almost joined the FISHING CLUB because he was head organizer. How romantic for us two, swept out to sea? Surely he would swoon right back when he saw me handle a tackle box ( and then proceed to stab myself to death with various, colorful hooks since I've never been fishing in my life ) When it came to Confession, I would avoid him at all costs. How could he fall in love with me if he knew all of my sins?

A schoolgirl crush on a Priest seems so taboo! I suffered from awful, awful guilt. A man of the Cloth is totally forbidden. There was absolutely no way I could ever entertain that thought without thinking I was a terrible person. Thornbirds much?

BarTopDancer~ I looked for pictures of Fr. Thomas Williams! If I find one, I'll post it for you, me & Mickey Lumbo!

I'm so sorry for derailing. I have been watching the Mass in honor of Pope John Paul II in the Dowtown Los Angeles Cathedral on KTLA, and catching whatever news I can. I'm sure there will be much more news at eleven o' clock.