By: M.A. Student, Will Campbell
Recently, the M.A. Students had the opportunity to visit the Saint John Paul II National Shrine. Shortly after entering the building, the deep and abiding impact of such a man as Pope St. John Paul II became clear, as is the care by which the Shrine shepherds his legacy.
The museum sets the stage with the gravitas of his accomplishments, very fittingly through the personal nature of each of the millions of people whose lives he touched. Knowing the wisdom of Our Lord, the Shrine takes care to tell the story not just of his fruits, but the roots that produced them: the real man himself. It explores his formation and life growing up, the influences of his family and his people from his humble beginnings, unfolding in his life as a priest, bishop, and ultimately his election to the papacy and work as Holy Father, constantly dedicated toward defending the personal dignity of all people, seen in something as large scale as his contribution to the breaking of the shackles of Soviet Communism to something as simple as privately meeting and forgiving his would-be assassin.
My experience at the museum drove home that his magnanimity was a direct result of the life of Christ outpoured within, manifesting first through personal virtue and his relationship with Christ, overflowing in love for others. It was this which shaped him and his deeds, and showed what God can do with a humble soul called to greatness, who cooperated so fully with the Holy Spirit. The M.A. students are grateful to have been so blessed by the Saint John Paul II National Shrine in having such a meaningful encounter with this Saint who embodies the heart of our program..
