By Kevin Cotter
Happy feast day, St. John Paul II! Every October 22nd, we celebrate the incredible legacy of this beloved saint, reflecting on the profound impact he has had on our faith and the world. Though it has been years since his passing, St. John Paul II’s life continues to inspire and guide us. His example of holiness, perseverance, and unwavering faith remains as relevant today as it was during his remarkable papacy.
One wonderful way to dive deeper into his extraordinary story is by reading Jason Evert’s Saint John Paul the Great: His Five Loves . This powerful book offers an intimate look at the life of the saint, focusing on the values and spiritual devotions that shaped his journey. From his deep love for the Eucharist and Mary to his incredible prayer life, this book paints a vivid picture of the man behind the title.
As we honor St. John Paul II’s feast day, let’s take a closer look at the lessons his life has to teach us. Here are a few highlights from Saint John Paul the Great: His Five Loves that reveal his unique spirituality and unwavering commitment to God.
John Paul II: His Five Loves
Reading this book gave me a deeper understanding of St. John Paul II’s holiness and challenged me to grow in my own faith. Each story shared in its pages offers insight into how he embraced God’s will with courage, humility, and an unshakeable love for others. Below are two particular stories that stood out to me as powerful examples of his character and faith.
What Are St. John Paul II’s Five Loves?
Jason Evert’s Saint John Paul the Great: His Five Loves explores five key devotions that deeply shaped the saint’s life and mission. These “loves” highlight his spirituality and the values that defined his papacy:
- The Eucharist: St. John Paul II’s love for the Eucharist was the foundation of his spiritual life. He celebrated daily Mass with profound reverence, encouraging the faithful to draw closer to Christ through the Eucharist. His teaching on the Real Presence remains a cornerstone of his legacy.
- Our Lady (Mary): Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary was central to St. John Paul II’s faith. His papal motto, Totus Tuus (“Totally Yours”), reflected his complete entrustment to Mary. He credited her intercession with saving his life during the assassination attempt in 1981.
- The Cross: St. John Paul II had a deep love for the Cross and saw suffering as a pathway to redemption. Even as he endured his own physical pain later in life, he embraced it with faith, uniting it to the suffering of Christ for the salvation of souls.
- Young People: Known as the “pope of the youth,” St. John Paul II had a special love for young people. He established World Youth Day as a way to inspire and encourage young Catholics to live out their faith boldly and joyfully.
- Human Love: St. John Paul II dedicated much of his teaching to the dignity of the human person and the beauty of human love. His writings on Theology of the Body revolutionized the Church’s understanding of love, marriage, and sexuality as reflections of God’s divine plan.
1. His Work Ethic and Perseverance
One of the most inspiring stories recounts Karol Wojtyła’s time as a university student during the German occupation of Poland. To survive and help his family, Wojtyła took a job working in a quarry alongside his classmates. The work was grueling, especially during the harsh Polish winters when temperatures could plummet to -22°F (-30°C). Despite the punishing conditions, he faced these challenges head-on. To protect his face from frostbite, he coated it with petroleum jelly and labored outdoors for hours each day.
These difficult experiences reveal the resilience and perseverance that would later define St. John Paul II’s life. He didn’t shy away from hardship but embraced it with strength and faith, relying on prayer to carry him through. This dedication to both work and prayer prepared him for the immense responsibilities he would later shoulder as pope, showing us the transformative power of perseverance in the face of trials.
2. His Dedication to Prayer
Another unforgettable moment in Wojtyła’s life occurred when he was called to serve as a bishop. On his way to Kraków, he stopped at a convent to pray. His time in prayer was so prolonged that it surprised the sisters there.
“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 glimpse into his profound prayer life shows how central his relationship with God was to every aspect of his life. Prayer wasn’t just a duty for St. John Paul II—it was the source of his strength, peace, and discernment. It’s a reminder for all of us to prioritize prayer, especially during times of difficulty or major life decisions.
Celebrate St. John Paul II’s Feast Day
Today, as we honor St. John Paul II’s incredible life, consider exploring his spirituality through Saint John Paul the Great: His Five Loves . This book provides an inspiring look at his prayer life, his love for the Eucharist, Mary, and the Cross, and his unwavering commitment to serving others. Order your copy online and allow his example to inspire your faith and deepen your relationship with God.
Additional Resources
Want to learn more about the saints? Check out these posts from our blog:
- 3 Reasons I Love St. Thérèse So Much
- 4 Ways to Grow in Holiness with St. Thérèse
- 25 Patron Saints of Really Random Things
- 5 Lessons from St. Josephine Bakhita
For even more Catholic resources, explore our podcast featuring talks from SEEK conferences or visit our YouTube channel for inspiring videos.
And don’t forget—registration is now open for SEEK25! Join us next January in Washington, D.C., or Salt Lake City for an incredible event filled with faith and fellowship. Let’s continue to grow together in holiness, inspired by the example of St. John Paul II.
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!