Learn more about the gift of Blessed John Paul II "From the moment he appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on the evening of his election in October 1978, Pope John Paul II has captured the imagination and hearts of people around the world. Over his twenty-six-year papacy, Karol Wojtyla would show—both by his writings and his personal witness—the transformation that can happen in our lives when we invite Jesus into our hearts.
John Paul [will receive] the title “Blessed” at his May 1 beatification. We can capture the vision he had for the church and for the world in a new book by Cardinal Donald Wuerl. Known for his gift of teaching the faith, Cardinal Wuerl explores the spiritual and pastoral wealth of John Paul’s writings. The Cardinal unfolds these treasures for us, presenting not only Blessed John Paul’s teachings, but also suggesting how we can apply them in our lives as we face the challenges of being a disciple of Christ in the world today." —The Word Among Us Press
What does "beatification" mean? Beatification is a term describing an important stage in the process by which the Catholic Church recognizes that a deceased person lived a life of heroic Christian virtue and enjoys eternal life with God in Heaven. This person is given the title of "Blessed," and the faithful are encouraged to ask him or her to pray for them. If the Church ultimately gives this person the title of "Saint," then he or she is said to be canonized.
"From the moment he appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on the evening of his election in October 1978, Pope John Paul II has captured the imagination and hearts of people around the world. Over his twenty-six-year papacy, Karol Wojtyla would show—both by his writings and his personal witness—the transformation that can happen in our lives when we invite Jesus into our hearts. 
