The Archdiocese’s Office of New Evangelization with the Knights of Columbus will hold a special vigil to honor the life and pontificate of Pope John Paul II on the eve of his canonization in Rome, April 26, 7-11 p.m. at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.
“Pope John Paul II was a gift from God for our times,” said Archbishop José Gomez. “He was a man of the Eucharist and a true spiritual father for our world. Our Archdiocese came together in celebration during his visit in 1987, and we will gather once again to rejoice his canonization. He was truly a saint among us, and he continues to bring us closer to Christ through his example.”
The vigil will begin with a rosary and testimonials from faithful whose lives have been changed by Pope John Paul II and musical tributes by noted Catholic artists including Danielle Rose, Miriam Solis and Tony Melendez who played for John Paul during his visit to Los Angeles in 1987. They will be accompanied by a choir of young adult musicians from throughout the archdiocese led by music director John Flaherty.
The rosary will be followed by an hour of adoration with music by Love Resonate, and a premiere screening on the Cathedral Plaza of a new documentary film by Lannette Turicchi on the life of Pope John Paul II, “A Prophet of Our Time.”
An honor guard from the Knights of Columbus will lead the opening procession of Angelenos who have met the pope and young adults who have attended World Youth Day, instituted by Pope John Paul II.
“Los Angeles, like so many cities around the world, was blessed to have been visited by this great man, and certainly many fondly remember his time in Los Angeles,” said Knights of Columbus Supreme Knight Carl Anderson. “The legacy of his personal life of holiness, his incredible public ministry, and his profound teaching about the faith, continue to resonate not only with the John Paul II generation — of bishops, priests, religious and laity — but also with so many others who were moved by his witness and teaching — especially in the area of human love.”
The Knights of Columbus is the world’s largest Catholic fraternal organization dedicated to helping those in need. Founded in 1882 to help the widows and orphans of the largely-immigrant Catholic community in New Haven, Conn., the Knights of Columbus today continues the mission throughout the world, serving families and communities through a vast array of charitable and spiritual activities. Last year Knights provided more than $167 million and 70 million hours to charitable causes.
On April 27, the canonizations of Popes John Paul II and John XXIII will be celebrated together on April 27 at a special 3:30 p.m. Mass of Thanksgiving at the Cathedral, with Archbishop Gomez presiding.
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels is at 555 W. Temple St., Los Angeles. For more information and to join the event on Facebook, the public may visit www.archla.org/jpevent.
