Pope St. John Paul II after the Papal Mass in Phoenix, Arizona.

On September 14, 1987, I had the privilege to attend the Papal Mass of Pope St. John Paul II at Sun Devil Stadium along with my Mom and cousin. It was an awesome celebration and one that I remember to this day. I was only 13 years old and really didn’t know much about the life of the Holy Father at that time. It wouldn’t be until six years later that I finally began to learn more about Pope St. John Paul II. Since then, I have studied, read, and written about Pope St. John Paul II.

While on this side of heaven, he became one of my heroes. I was also able to see him at World Youth Day 1993 in Denver, Colorado and then seven years later at World Youth Day 2000 in Rome, Italy. His influence on my life is hard to describe at times. I enjoy talking about him often with family and friends. Many know that I am a JP2 junkie.

Today, September 14, 2017, is the 30^th Anniversary of his Papal Visit to Phoenix, Arizona. Although it was 30 years ago, I still remember it so vividly, as you read above. Pope St. John Paul II still is a major impact in my life as a Catholic, and as someone who studies the faith academically and teaches it to others, he is an important figure in the Church today. His writings will impact the Catholic Church for centuries to come. There are countless blog articles on this very site written either about him or quoting him.

The liturgical vestments worn by Pope St. John Paul II at the Papal Mass here in Phoenix.

Pope Saint John Paul II…Pray for Us 

Here is a picture that was sold back in 1987 to commemorate his visit to Phoenix. It hangs framed at the entrance of my home.