Connecticut Remembers, Praises John Paul II

 Flags flew at half staff in Newtown and across Connecticut this week in memory of Pope John Paul II, as people from a variety of faiths joined Roman Catholics in remembering him as a beloved spiritual leader who touched lives around the world with his message of peace and hope.

Pope John Paul II was remembered as a man who spoke out for peace, fought for human rights, and helped overthrow communism in central Europe. His death was felt strongly in Connecticut, where 37 percent of residents are Catholic.

“There is sadness in the heart of every person as we say our farewell to Pope John Paul II,” said the Rev Robert Weiss, pastor of St Rose of Lima Church in Newtown. “In spite of many religious and political differences, this man was able to sit at the table and openly share his hopes for a world of peace and a world where life at every level would be protected and respected.”

Father Weiss, who was in the pope’s presence in Rome three times in the past 20 years, said that as a leader, John Paul II “was able to move mountains with his insight into human nature and his never-ending compassion for those forgotten or abandoned.

“As a priest, he celebrated his vocation with joy and fidelity to his vows and his calling. As a person he made every person feel important and valued,” Father Weiss said.

“His reign as our Holy Father was remarkable, and as the world witnessed his aging and illness, we continued to marvel at his deep faith and openness to the will of God.”

Father Weiss said it is not hard to understand why the world is joining the church in its mourning.

“We have all lost a man who truly made a difference by simply obeying God’s will and remaining true to himself,” he said. “May he be at a rest that is well deserved and may his memory be honored by the way we live our lives patterned on his example.”

A special Mass was held on Wednesday night at St Rose in memory of John Paul II.

On April 3 a nine-day period of mourning began in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated by Bishop William Lori on Friday, April 8, at 7:30 pm at St Matthew Parish in Norwalk and at 11 am on Sunday, April 10, at St Michael the Archangel parish in Bridgeport.

Bishop Lori said world leaders knew John Paul II as a man of principle and a forceful advocate for peace as well as a champion for human dignity and as a tireless teacher of the Gospel.

“No pontiff in history carried on a deeper and more extensive dialogue with the culture, science, law, philosophy, and theology,” Bishop Lori said. “He has been tireless in his dedication to Christian unity, especially with the Eastern Orthodox. He labored intensely to build stronger interfaith relations, especially with the Jewish community.” 

Gov M Jodi Rell, who attended a Mass at Our Lady of Peace in East Hartford Sunday, said the pope’s legacy is how he touched so many people.

“The Holy Father was a beacon of hope for so many as well as a compassionate voice for the poor and the vulnerable,” said Gov Rell, an Episcopalian. “His principled advocacy for democracy has touched the lives of people in every corner of the world.”

 US Rep Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., was in Rome Saturday on a trip she had planned before the pope’s condition worsened.

“The death of Pope John Paul II is an immense loss to our world community — a world in such need for his gospel message of justice, compassion, and peace,’’ Rep DeLauro said. “There is little doubt that John Paul II has been one of the most significant figures of the 20th Century.’’

John Paul was also important to non-Catholics, said Sen Joseph Lieberman, D-Conn., who is Jewish.

“He built bridges ... that had never existed before and transformed forever the church’s perception of Jews from a separated people to brothers and sisters in faith,’’ Sen Lieberman said. “In an age of science and materialism and genocide, he was the world’s most consistent advocate of spiritual and humanitarian values.”

Harry Leiser, president of the Jewish Federation of Eastern Connecticut, said John Paul II had taken more steps than any previous pope to bridge the divide between Christians and Jews.

“I think the pope has attempted to make efforts to bring about healing,” Mr Leiser said. “I think they are very much appreciated. I appreciate the efforts personally.”

Mahmoud Mansour, the imam of the Islamic Center of New London, said the pope’s deeds will be remembered long after he is gone.

“All of his life was dedicated for good and peace,” Mr Mansour said. “Even after death he will be alive because of the good deeds he has done.”

This article included AP reports.