1. Ecumenical Service of Prayer For Pope John Paul II 1920 – 2005 May he rest in Peace This reflection was prepared for an ecumenical gathering of prayer held at Our Lady of Victories Church, Sockburn, Christchurch on the evening of Pope John Paul’s death Sunday 3 April 2005

2. John Paul II 1920 - 2005

7. as a Cardinal with Pope Paul VI

8. with Pope John Paul I

9. elected as pope 16 October 1978

10. “I have a sweet tooth for song and music. This is my Polish sin”

11. I have a sweet tooth for song and music. This is my Polish sin. “Do not be afraid !”

13. “What we talked about will have to remain a secret between him and me. I spoke to him as a brother whom I have pardoned and who has my complete trust.”

14. The most profound motive for our work is this knowing that we share in creation. Learning the meaning of creation in our daily lives will help us to live holier lives. It will fill the world with the spirit of Christ, the spirit of justice, charity, and peace.

15. Moreover, ecumenical cooperation is a true school of ecumenism, a dynamic road to unity. Unity of action leads to the full unity of faith.

16. Through such cooperation, all believers in Christ are able to learn easily how they can understand each other better and esteem each other more, and how the road to the unity of Christians may be made smooth".

17. "Cooperation among all Christians vividly expresses that bond which already unites them, and it sets in clearer relief the features of Christ the Servant. This cooperation based on our common faith is not only filled with fraternal communion, but is a manifestation of Christ himself.”

19. “Have no fear of moving into the unknown. Simply step out fearlessly knowing that I am with you, therefore no harm can befall you; all is very, very well. Do this in complete faith and confidence."

20. “You are our dearly beloved brothers, and in a certain way, it could be said that you are our elder brothers.”

21. “This people draws its origin from Abraham, our father in faith The very people that received from God the commandment "Thou shalt not kill" itself experienced in a special measure what is meant by killing. It is not permissible for anyone to pass by this inscription with indifference.”

22. “The truth is not always the same as the majority decision”

23. “In our own historical context there remains the obligation to ensure that everyone can enjoy the freedom, rest and relaxation which human dignity requires.”

24. The needs of the poor take priority over the desires of the rich; the rights of workers over the maximization of profits; the preservation of the environment over uncontrolled industrial expansion; the production to meet social needs over production for military purposes"

25. I have a sweet tooth for song and music. This is my Polish sin.

26. Solidarity... is not a feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of so many people, both near and far. On the contrary, it is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good; that is to say, to the good of all and of each individual, because we are all really responsible for all.

27. I have a sweet tooth for song and music. This is my Polish sin.

28. “When you wonder about the mystery of yourself, look to Christ, who gives you the meaning of life. When you wonder what it means to be a mature person, look to Christ, who is the fullness of humanity. And when you wonder about your role in the future of the world.... look to Christ.

30. “Social justice cannot be attained by violence. Violence kills what it intends to create.”

32. We must build a new culture of life that confronts today's problems affecting life. The purpose of the Gospel is, in fact, to transform humanity from within and to make it new. We need to begin within our Christian communities themselves.

35. with NZ Catholic Bishops 2004

36. “Created in God's image, we were given the mandate to transform the earth. By their work people share in God's creating activity....Awareness that our work is a sharing in God's work ought to permeate even the most ordinary daily activities.”

37. One may sin by greed and the desire for power, but one may also sin in these matters through fear, indecision, and cowardice!

40. John Paul II 1920 – 2005 May he rest in peace