ora pro nobis pecatoribus, nunc et in hora mortis; in hora mortis nostrae

[primroseburrows]

Ironically, the week has brought us two deaths among many--one tragic, made a media circus no matter which 'side' you were on, of a woman who became a pawn in a political game, who was not allowed to die in peace. The other, of a world leader at peace with himself, with his God, with his Church, and with his death, and a people of faith who calmly and lovingly bore him on to his God with their prayers and songs.

Rest in Peace, Ms. Schiavo. May you find in death the peace denied you in life. None of this was your fault. It wasn't mine, either, but I'm sorry anyway.

Rest in Peace, Karol Wojtyla. I'm not Catholic, and I disagreed with you on a lot of issues, but I believe you were a good man, and more important, a humble one. There are a lot of people on Earth who would do well to have half the dignity you had. In matters of world peace, you and I saw pretty much eye to eye. Your God may not be my god, but I hope you've gone to Him.

*raises glass high*


I guess I could say a lot more about these two people. I probably will, too, but I don't think now is the right time.

*lights candle* Yeah, it's a real candle. Deal with it.



Andrea Bocelli - Ave Maria (Schubert)

If anyone can send me a copy of Mendelssohn's version, would you? I can't find one anywhere.

Comments

[chickadilly.livejournal.com]

I think you've summed up exactly what I'm thinking and feeling about these two deaths.

Thanks for the download of Ave Maria ... such a beautiful song.

[primroseburrows.livejournal.com]

It seems just a bit more than coincidental that they died days apart.

[chickadilly.livejournal.com]

*nods* Some interesting symbolism going on there.

May they both rest in peace.

[primroseburrows.livejournal.com]

I hope so. They both deserve it.

[inspiredlife.livejournal.com]

What beautiful sentiments you've expressed here. Thank you for sharing them. As a Catholic who often did not agree with Pope John Paul II but always respected and admired him, your words greatly moved me.

Hope you don't mind that I've friended you. I'm here via willysunny

[primroseburrows.livejournal.com]

I don't mind at all! *friends back*

[peacey.livejournal.com]

I have shed so many tears this weekend for my Pope. Selfishly, yes, for he is now in perfect happiness with God. The world seems an emptier place without his guiding presence. As I've mentioned here before, I attended a mass he officiated in Pontiac, Michigan. When he entered the stadium, there was a distinct change in the atmosphere there. I heard a lady describe it as a kind of bubble where time slows down when you're in his presence. It's something I'll never forget, something I feel priviledged to have attended. The man accomplished so much and had such an extraordinary life. May it continue with God. My hope is that he can feel all the love and respect that now flows so openly for him. My God, how I will miss him.

[primroseburrows.livejournal.com]

I really, really disagreed with him on a whole lot of issues (number one probably being that he forbade Catholics to use condoms for AIDS prophylaxis). But, I think he was basically a good, humble guy who made some wrong decisions. He made some right ones, too. Bottom line, he was human, just like the rest of us. And. I do believe that Poland might still be Communist if it weren't for him (among others).