"You are young, and the Pope is old, 82 or 83 years of life is not the same as 22 or 23. But the Pope still fully identifies with your hopes and aspirations. Although I have lived through much darkness, under harsh totalitarian regimes, I have seen enough evidence to be unshakably convinced that no difficulty, no fear is so great that it can completely suffocate the hope that springs eternal in the hearts of the young. You are our hope, the young are our hope."

Pope John Paul II
2002 World Youth Day, Toronto

Today was the first anniversary of Pope JPII's death. His influence is still quite strong in the Church. Just this weekend, I attended a "Created and Redeemed Seminar" by Christopher West in which there were 8 one hour sessions discussing the Theology of the Body. This is just one of the many huge contributions of JPII to the Church. West is a great speaker, although the seminar was a bit too much for one day. I found out West is my age (36) and he makes many references to movies and music of our time. He is funny and interesting, and well worth listening to.

"Johannes Paulus Magnus Oro Pro Nobis"