Pope John Paul II

I was busy and excited that day because my friends were coming over to celebrate with me my birthday. Some were already around, yet I could not get to them for there were some more things to prepare. Suddenly my mobile phone beeped, though it has been beeping since I woke up that day. I was so shocked at the message, that I left everything and started scanning the cable and free tv. But none gave the indication that the SMS I received was indeed true. It was April 2, 2000. The text message was about Pope John Paul II's death.

Five years later, April 2, 2005, again I received an SMS declaring the death of John Paul II. This time I did not have to scan the cable tv because everyone else received such SMS. I remember it was one of the saddest birthday I had. That evening, alone in my room, I watched the news and I cried.

The first encounter I had with Pope John Paul II was in 1978. The year he became pope. It was a meeting of desire, of wishing. I remember, I said to myself, as I was looking at his poster outside a church, I will meet you one day. True enough three years later he came to the Philippines. And I had a very close encounter indeed. In the flesh. As he was walking down the aisle going to the altar, I extended a hand to touch him. Unfortunately my outreached hand received a karate chop instead, from one of his guards. Well at least I saw him smile at me. I believe. And that was the closest I could get.

The last time I saw him in the flesh was in 1995, 10th World Youth Day held in the Philippines. I never had any chance of close encounters that time. But what I can never forget was the feeling I had, seeing him from a distance. I felt an overwhelming joy. The joy that friendship brings. The joy that you feel when you see a friend. A familiar face in a crowded floor. Yes, that year too I gained so many friends. Not only friends but friendships of which until now I celebrate.

I am glad that I can leave this earth with the experience of encountering face to face two of our modern days saints: Mother Teresa of Calcutta and Pope John Paul II. Very great and most of all very holy personalities. I may never be at par to their greatness or sanctity in my lifetime. But the encounters I had with them etched a deep desire in my heart to be the best as God created me and be a blessing to others.

"Santo subito"! Saint soon!