Candle-bearer holds prayers in her heart during canonization

Last updated on: April 27, 2014 at 8:05 pm by CNA Daily News

Candle-bearer holds prayers in her heart during canonization 2014-04-27T20:05:00+00:00 CNA Daily News

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Vatican City, Apr 27, 2014 / 02:05 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- One young woman's participation in today's canonization liturgy offered a special opportunity for intercessory prayer.

Julia Marie Desilets, who was a candle-bearer in the procession of John Paul II's relics, reflected, “I felt like I was carrying more than a candle. It was like carrying many of the devoted to the altar with their intentions, gratitude and love for these popes.”

“I felt like I was placing the prayers of all those millions of faithful there before the relics,” she told CNA on April 27.

Desilets is in her early thirties and describes herself as a “JPII generation child.”

“It was JPII whom I 'knew' as 'my' Pope,” she reflected. “Early on when I had first moved to Rome, I remember vividly the Holy Thursday chrism Mass and vigil afterwards that moved me.”

“It must have been one of his last celebrations of that event. He suffered so much that it moved me to tears and I remember truly believing that he carried the pain of humanity on his shoulders.”

The doctoral student at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome was also in the city when John Paul II died.

“It felt like the earth had been struck silent,” she recalled. “But there was a silent joy from the crowds today…as I sat up by the altar, I thought to myself how amazingly quiet a few million people could be!”

Desilets said the “unexpected role” of candle-bearer at the canonization mass “really came as a surprise!”

Many years ago she began volunteering as a translator in office responsible for postulating the cause of John Paul II's sainthood, primarily helping with articles for the English edition of the magazine, Totus Tuus. Although the publication was discontinued, Desilets was recently asked to help with the preparation of the official website and app.

“I thought I'd get a ticket but didn't expect a role to play!” she exclaimed. “I was very honored and felt like it was truly a gift from JPII!”

Although she regards the role as an honor, Desilets noted, “I was also very blessed to be present at (John Paul II’s) funeral and beatification in the midst of the tumultuous and energy-charged crowds – which in many ways is more moving than being 'above' it all.”

The young woman went on to note that she was also grateful for the witness of John XXIII, who was canonized alongside John Paul II today.

“I realize how much my generation and many others would have lived the experience of the Church so much differently had it not been for John XXIII's courageous step to open the Second Vatican Council,” she said.

“Every Pope from John XXIII through Pope Francis has been a leader of a different kind and has been the right inspiration for the times.”

Vatican

Previous Post

April 27, 2014

Book details collaboration of Roncalli and his Venetian chancellor

Next Post

April 27, 2014 Former Swiss Guard recalls John Paul II's love for humanity

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Americas Asia - Pacific Europe Middle East - Africa Uncategorized US Vatican

Select a Month November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Why did Jesus wash His disciples' feet?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Tradition only To show humble service They asked Him to To clean them for eating