How has Pope John Paul II influenced your life?

October 9, 2003

"I have been especially touched by Pope John Paul II's deep affection and love for young people. His encouragement to them to seek the truth, goodness and justice, even in the face of trials, is a message I hope to affirm for my students." - Beth Bruner, director of campus ministry and junior theology teacher, Kuemper Catholic Schools, Carroll

"The highlight of Pope John Paul II's papacy for me was when Judy and I were in Rome Feb. 19, 2000 and were present when he read a letter to over 4,000 permanent deacons who were in Rome that day. He told us that when we are frustrated and struggling to 'throw ourselves into the arms of Jesus.' I think about that all the time." - Deacon Ron Forrest, co-director of the permanent diaconate for the Diocese Sioux City

"As a person, I see John Paul II as a man not only of prayer but a man of authenticity. That authenticity comes with a serene joy. From the beginning of his pontificate, when he first became pope, the words he used were 'don't be afriad.' He just continues to profess that message, and I guess that was an influence to me in discerning a vocation to the priesthood. Certainly when we discern vocations, what we want to do with our life, there are always some fears that come with that - some unknowns. That message always stuck in my mind." - Father Dan Greving, pastor of St. Joseph in Wesley and St. Benedict in St. Benedict

"John Paul II has influenced my life by his holy example as a pastor and spiritual leader. His courage and apostolic witness have given me great strength and hope for the future of the church and great consolation as I follow my vocation. When I met him, I couldn't help but be touched by his deeply spiritual presence and the deep love he has for each member of the church." - Brent C. Lingle, seminarian for the Diocese of Sioux City attending Saint Meinrad School of Theology

"I have been tremendously impressed not only by Pope John Paul II's Strong, wise and charismatic leadership of the church, but this holy man exudes a tender, unprejudiced and genuine love for all god's children. One cannot but be moved by his demonstrative and sincere love and expressions of forgiveness. I see such action as only emanating from a deep and intimate relationship with god in contemplative prayer. He seems to me to be an expression of how our heavenly Father desires us to see Himself. For me, he is truly a feflection of the Father." - Mother Kateri Marie of the Eucharist, OCD, Carmelite Monastery in Sioux City

"I have been able to attend World Youth Day in Denver, Colo., Rome, Italy as well as in Toronto, Canada. At each location I have observed in John Paul II a world class leader who empowers youth to use their Catholic, Christian convictions to lead our church as well as to reach out to their home nations. What also touched me about these experiences was inclusion of young leaders of poor nations to participate in World Youth Day through scholarship money provided by those in developed nations. John Paul II seeks the commitment of the youth as well as youth leaders. He empowers the well to do to provide for the poor thereby raising up a Roman Catholic Church dedicated to all of its people." - Nancy Michels, pastoral minister at St. Mary Church, Rock Valley and DRE/youth minister at St. Patrick's, Sheldon

"The influence of the Holy Father has been enormous. I remember I was just coming out of high school going into college when he was elected pope. I remember his vitality. He was young and so different than what I remember any of the popes being prior to that. I think that as time has gone on I was attracted to the priesthood because of the holiness and vitality of how he lived his life." - Father Brad Pelzel, pastor of Corpus Christi Parish, Fort Dodge