AtonementOnline: John Paul II Eucharistic Center

22 July 2009

John Paul II Eucharistic Center

The new John Paul II Eucharistic Center is being completed next to the Poor Clares' monastery in Hanceville. As it says on their website, its purpose is to lead "Catholics and non-Catholics alike to a deeper realization of Our Lord's Eucharistic Presence." It'll have all sorts of exhibits, visuals, etc. They sent a crew to San Antonio today to tape an interview with me for one of the interactive exhibits. I spoke about the priestly vocation and the Real Presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. Those are two topics about which, once I get going, I tend not to stop! It's kind of sobering to think that someone will just have to touch a screen, and they'll get me talking at them! Hope the "off" button is in a prominent place...

"With all my heart, I bless you and your people..."

In 1983 I was a newly-ordained priest. In November of that year, it was my privilege to be in Rome to take part in developing The Book of Divine Worship. During that time an invitation was extended to celebrate Mass with His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, in his private chapel. After we had said Mass, and in those few moments I had with the Holy Father, he told me that he remembered considering the request for my ordination, and he described how he came to an affirmative decision. For me, our brief conversation was an experience which will be treasured forever. At the conclusion of our time together, I asked him if I could take his blessing back to the people of my parish. His very simple words remain precious to me: "With all my heart, I bless you and your people." He then embraced me, and I knew that I was forever "home in my Father's house."