AtonementOnline: IMPORTANT NOTICE

27 July 2022

IMPORTANT NOTICE

The content of AtonementOnline has been transferred to a new address and a new blog title. You can now find this material at:

A Pilgrim's Journey

The address is https://frchristophergphillips.blogspot.com/

Please make a note and bookmark the new address.

This blog will remain at this address, but there will be no new postings here. All postings will be at the new address on A Pilgrim's Journey.

"With all my heart, I bless you and your people..."

In 1983 I was a newly-ordained priest. In November of that year, it was my privilege to be in Rome to take part in developing The Book of Divine Worship. During that time an invitation was extended to celebrate Mass with His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, in his private chapel. After we had said Mass, and in those few moments I had with the Holy Father, he told me that he remembered considering the request for my ordination, and he described how he came to an affirmative decision. For me, our brief conversation was an experience which will be treasured forever. At the conclusion of our time together, I asked him if I could take his blessing back to the people of my parish. His very simple words remain precious to me: "With all my heart, I bless you and your people." He then embraced me, and I knew that I was forever "home in my Father's house."