Witness to Hope
Walk and pray through the life of John Paul II, one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. Over the next 3 weeks, Msgr. James Shea will reflect upon passages from George Weigel's best-selling biography "Witness to Hope," and Jim Caviezel will narrate selected writings and speeches from the late pope. On Saturdays and Sundays, Jackie Angel will share the impact of John Paul II's teachings and lead us in devotions that were central to his spirituality.
Produced by arrangement with HarperCollins Publishers. All Rights Reserved. Learn more about "Witness to Hope" here: hallow.com/witnesstohope
21 sessions
1Witness to HopeWho was John Paul II? Msgr. Shea begins to reflect on the complexity of this extraordinary man, reading from George Weigel's biography "Witness to Hope." Jim Caviezel then reads from a 1995 homily by John Paul II, delivered in Oriole Park at Camden Yards.Day 1: Msgr. Shea & Jim Caviezel
2WarToday we're going to hear about the most influential event in Europe during Karol Wojtyła’s lifetime, and we’ll learn how this event impacted his life. For our closing prayer this week, we'll continue to offer John Paul II's Prayer to the Holy Spirit.Day 2: Msgr. Shea & Jim Caviezel
3LossWe’ll learn more today about Karol Wojtyła’s family and the tragedies that marked his childhood. Even in these moments, Msgr. Shea and Jim Caviezel will help us meditate on the unfailing Providence of God.Day 3: Msgr. Shea & Jim Caviezel
4SeminarianJohn Paul II surrendered his life to God by entering seminary and then becoming a priest. We’ll hear today what priestly formation was like for him living a country ruled by the Nazis.Day 4: Msgr. Shea & Jim Caviezel
5PriestToday we'll get a glimpse of Karol Wojtyła’s life as a priest, looking particularly at his ministry to students. Jim Caviezel will then read a letter from Fr. Karol that gives us a real sense of his pastoral ministry.Day 5: Msgr. Shea & Jim Caviezel
6On MarriageOn Saturdays, Jackie Angel will join us to reflect on the impact of John Paul II’s teaching and thought. Today she shares the influence he had on the formation and protection of the family.Day 6: Jackie Angel
7Litany of Our Jesus ChristToday Jackie Angel leads us in a prayer which Karol Wojtyła often recited as a seminarian - the “Litany of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Priest and Victim.” As we pray, feel free to offer this for any priests and seminarians in your life.Day 7: Jackie Angel
8ProfessorMsgr. Shea returns to help us understand the importance of one of Karol Wojtyła’s least-known roles. Then Jim Caviezel will read a quote from his encyclical, “Fides et Ratio.” Day 8: Msgr. Shea & Jim Caviezel
9BishopMsgr. Shea shares another great story today from George Weigel’s “Witness to Hope,” which gives us a glimpse into Karol Wojtyła’s interior life when the pope named him a bishop.Day 9: Msgr. Shea & Jim Caviezel
10CardinalIn our session today, we’ll get a glimpse into Karol Wojtyła’s life as a Cardinal Archbishop, and we’ll ponder how the Lord prepared him for his mission through these daily habits.Day 10: Msgr. Shea & Jim Caviezel
11Papal ElectionCardinal Wotjyła became Pope John Paul II under extraordinary circumstances. We’ll see today how God’s Providence guided him to this momentous occasion.Day 11: Msgr. Shea & Jim Caviezel
12ReactionsToday we'll hear how the world, particularly some of John Paul II’s closest friends, reacted to his papal election. We’ll also hear the Holy Father’s reflection on the influence of the laity in his formation and ministry.Day 12: Msgr. Shea & Jim Caviezel
13Theology of the BodyJackie Angel returns to speak about one of John Paul II’s most significant gifts to the Church - the Theology of the Body. He offered these profound teachings regarding our relationship with God and with others through his Wednesday lectures.Day 13: Jackie Angel
14Chaplet of Divine MercyToday Jackie Angel leads us in a devotion which came from another Polish saint, St. Faustina Kowalska. John Paul II helped authenticate St. Faustina’s testimony and promoted this Chaplet of Divine Mercy as a meditation on God’s love for humanity.Day 14: Jackie Angel
15Be Not AfraidThe Holy Father’s first words set the tone for how he would shepherd the Church. We’ll meditate today on his solemn inauguration of the papal ministry and on his first homily. Our closing prayer this week will be a prayer for JPII’s intercession.Day 15: Msgr. Shea & Jim Caviezel
16Defeating CommunismWhat happened when John Paul II returned to his native land after becoming pope? We’ll reflect today on what became known as “The Nine Days that Changed the World.”Day 16: Msgr. Shea & Jim Caviezel
17Assassination AttemptToday we’ll hear about the infamous attempt on John Paul II’s life and the graces that God brought forth even from a tragedy like this.Day 17: Msgr. Shea & Jim Caviezel
18World Youth DayOne of the hallmarks of John Paul II’s papacy was the institution of World Youth Day. We’ll hear today how these gatherings of young adults from all around the world began, and we’ll hear some of his remarks from World Youth Day in 2000.Day 18: Msgr. Shea & Jim Caviezel
19JubileeJohn Paul II anticipated that God had chosen him to shepherd the Church into the Third Millennium. We’ll look today at the celebration of the Jubilee in the year 2000, a crowning achievement for the late pope. Day 19: Msgr. Shea & Jim Caviezel
20Letter to WomenJackie Angel returns on this penultimate day to discuss John Paul II’s Letter to Women and the impact of his teachings on the role of women in both the Church and the world.Day 20: Jackie Angel
21Rosary: Luminous MysteriesTo close our series, Jackie Angel leads us in praying the Most Holy Rosary, meditating on the five mysteries of light, which John Paul II gifted to the Church during his pontificate. We’ll meditate today on the public ministry and miracles of Our Savior.Day 21: Jackie Angel