Video now available that features late pontiff's 1979 trip to U.S.

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
March 16, 2006

A new video on Pope John Paul II that was produced in the Diocese of Sioux City is now available for purchase or for loan.

Pope John Paul II: We are Guided by You, approximately 27 minutes in length, centers on the messages delivered by the late pontiff during his first visit as pope to the United States in 1979. The video is a production of the Social Concerns Department of Catholic Charities in the diocese and G.R. Lindblade & Co. Productions.

"He was elected pope in 1978 and then came to America in 1979," said Marilyn Murphy, social concerns facilitator for the diocese. "He describes himself as a pilgrim and made a seven-day pilgrimage."

Throughout his pontificate, Murphy stressed the fact that Pope John II had been a voice for the poor, the disenfranchised, the marginalized and the oppressed throughout the world.

The video features excerpts of the speeches that John Paul II delivered at seven stops in six cities he visited in 1979.

In Boston, Pope John Paul II spoke to youth about their task in today's Church and world.

At the United Nations in New York, his message centered on peace, justice and human rights.

Also in New York, at Yankee Stadium, he urged people not to turn away from people and their needs, but to do charitable works and to change structures that cause poverty.

Free and fundamental rights were the focus of his message in Philadelphia.

His next stop was in Des Moines, where the pope called for good stewardship of the land and generosity in sharing its produce.

In Chicago, he praised the Campaign for Human Development for its commitment to continuing the mission of Christ.

He called people to stand up for life in Washington D.C. - for children, for marriage, for families, for the weak, for creation, for the sick, aged and dying.

The pope's talks were steeped in his concern for social justice and his desire for peace.

"The pope spoke to thousands of people at all of these gatherings," said Murphy. "I read somewhere that when he came to America, he touched American Catholics and all Americans with his teaching, his example and his presence. I think that's true."

In news coverage following Pope John Paul's death, it was reported that the pontiff had changed the world without any armies.

"When he died, we lost his presence and his example, but the teaching is still there," said Murphy.

With a desire to have the late pope's social teaching live on, that is the reason they opted to center the video on his 1979 trip to the United States "because his teaching in these speeches that he gave directly to American people on social justice and peace was so clear and so important. We thought this would be a way of preserving his legacy."

She pointed out that in the Oct. 18, 1979, issue of The Globe had provided a supplement that highlighted the 1979 visit to the United States.

"We were fortunate to get permission to use some photos from the diocesan archives and we also have footage of his appearance in Des Moines when he was at Living History Farms," noted Murphy.

The video closes with questions that may be used for reflection and discussion by viewers. It also lists other resources available. The video may be used in classrooms, parish groups and ecumenical groups.

"Pope John Paul II's message is so compelling in these speeches that we hope people will be energized to listen, reflect and take action," she said. "We hope that people will be educated, energized and inspired to look at the problems we have in America today and in the world with a clear vision of what we should be doing in terms of peace and social justice."

Murphy extended gratitude to George and Lou Ann Lindblade for their work with the video.

"Without their generous contribution of professional time and expertise, it would have been impossible for us to make this video," said Murphy.

In addition, the Commission on Women and Catholic Charities provided some funding for the project.

To order a video, contact G.R. Lindblade & Co., Box 1342, Sioux City, IA 51102. Fax orders to (712) 255-5328, call (712) 255-4346 or e-mail lndblade@longlines.com. DVD's cost $12.50 and VHS's are $10, including shipping and handling.