By Angela E. Pometto
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 4/14/05)

Pope John Paul II had a great love for the youth, and they loved him. Part of the diocese’s novendiales, the nine days of mourning for the pope, included a youth Mass for the pope celebrated last Saturday at Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington.

Before Mass began, there was a slideshow of pictures of Pope John Paul II accompanied by a beautiful, pre-recorded rendition of "Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring."

During the special Mass, the participants prayed for the pope, "who so loved the young of the world," said Bishop Loverde.

"We lift up a prayer of gratitude for John Paul and a prayer of petition for the Lord to give him fullness of life," he said.

The bishop began his homily with the image of a journey that explains the love between young people and the pope.

"The Holy Father journeyed with the youth of the world. He loved to be among the young," Bishop Loverde said. When the pope was with young people, he always smiled, even when it was difficult.

"Even in death, among the millions who came to Rome to see him one last time were the young," he said. "We pray that he will have eternal life, and ask him to pray for us.

"God raises up people to help us on the journey. We saw how he called and used a man called Karol Wojtyla," the bishop said. "I am convinced that God is calling other people. Keep your hearts open to the plan God has for you. He has a plan for all of you. Let us say yes as it is shown to us."

Thomas McLaughlin took his son to the youth Mass and said from a parent’s perspective, it was important to have an age-appropriate celebration. Overall, he and his family enjoyed the Mass.

Earlier in the day, Deacon James Searby told the youths at the confirmation retreat about one of his memories of the pope. He went to Rome during a difficult time in his life when he questioned whether or not he would have the strength to be a priest. When he arrived at St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the Swiss Guard approached him, and since he was a seminarian, he was escorted to a spot on the main aisle. When the pope came by, he stopped in front of Searby and looked at him.

"In that one moment — that look — all I heard was ‘Be a saint,’" Searby said, adding that he felt at peace after that.