The bishop of Rome, Predecessor of Peter, and the Vicar of Christ on earth, the former Pope John Paul II. Next to him the famous Msgr. Marini, then me receiving communion from the Pope in the Basilica of St Peter, Vatican, Rome, Italia, Christmas 1995.

J.P.II, was a great gift from God to us His Church. I enjoyed knowing and reading for him for year. He was such a sharp mind, always present to his people. I remember his visits to the Angelicum University in Rome, where I was a student, and where JPII studied as a seminarian. His jokes and talent to captivate his audience.

I remember once, going to the Vatican to serve the Christmas Mass for the Pope. It was a great honor and joy for us Maronite seminarians. From a long distance he recognized us, and said: "seite dal Libano, no?" (you are Lebanese, aren't you?" After Liturgy in the sacrasty, me and my twin bro. Miled wanted to take a picture w/ the Pope... we asked Msgr. Marini who said "no". But, as typical Lebanese we went to another Seguito Papale, who said: "I won't stop you. u do it". We approched the pope and asked him for a picture to send to our mother in Lebanon. He gracefully agreed. After the pictures, he said: "Saluta mi la mamma" (say hello to your mother for me) with a smile.

May the Lord continue to bless His Church with grand holy souls, ready to give up every thing for the sake of serving the people of God. Available to deny themselves, so that Christ lives in them and reach out to the needy through them.