By Kevin Cotter
Happy feast day, St. John Paul II! Every October 22nd, we honor his incredible legacy and the lasting impact he’s had on our faith. Even years after his passing, we’re still eager to learn about his extraordinary life.
One great way to dive deeper into his story is through Jason Evert’s Saint John Paul the Great: His Five Loves. This book offers a personal look at the beloved pope, revealing his spirituality and the values that guided him.
Let’s celebrate by exploring his inspiring journey. Here’s a sneak peek of some of my favorite parts!
This book helped me encounter the beloved saint in a deeper way and reflect on how I, too, could grow in holiness by following his example. Below is a preview of some of my favorite parts from this powerful book.
Two particular stories stood out and truly captivated me.
1. His work ethic and perseverance
The first takes place during Karol Wojtyła’s time as a university student during the German occupation of Poland. Evert recounts how Wojtyła began working at a quarry with some of his classmates. In the harsh Polish winters, when temperatures dropped as low as -22°F (-30°C), Wojtyła would coat his face with petroleum jelly to prevent frostbite, working outdoors in grueling conditions for eight hours at a time. It’s moments like these that help us understand how St. John Paul the Great became an amazing man. He didn’t flee from difficulties; rather, he worked and prayed through them — and that perseverance made him so much stronger.
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2. His dedication to prayer
The second story unfolds after Wojtyła was asked to become a bishop. On his way to Kraków, he stopped at a convent to pray. The nuns grew concerned when he remained in prayer for hours without emerging:
“When he did not emerge for some time, they looked in on him. He lay prostrate on the ground. The sister stepped back, filled with respect…After another while, the sister looked into the chapel again. The priest still lay prostrate. But the hour was late. The sister went up to him and shyly asked, ‘Perhaps Father would be so kind to come to supper?’ — The stranger responded: My train to Kraków isn’t until midnight. Allow me to stay here. I have much to discuss with the Lord. Eight hours after his prayer began, he departed at 11:30 to catch his train” (pg. 39-40).
This incredible glimpse into his prayer life reveals the deep well of spirituality that nourished Pope St. John Paul II throughout his life. Prayer wasn’t just an obligation for him—it was the source of his strength and direction.
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Celebrate JP2’s feast day today by exploring his life and spirituality through Saint John Paul the Great: His Five Loves.
This book offers a deep look into the prayer life of JP2, as well as his perseverance and his love for the Eucharist, Mary, and the Cross. Order your copy online and let his example inspire your own faith journey.
Additional Resources
Learn more about the saints through these posts from our blog: 3 Reasons I Love St. Thérèse So Much, 4 Ways to Grow in Holiness with St. Therese, 25 Patron Saints of Really Random Things, 5 Lessons from St. Josephine Bakhita.
For even more great Catholic resources, check out our podcast, which features talks from our SEEK conference, and our YouTube channel for videos and more!
Sign up for SEEK25 next January in Washington, D.C., and Salt Lake City; registration is now open!
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