From the Desk of the President

President's Message on the death of our Holy Father, John Paul II

      This period after the Pope’s death is a time for deep, unifying prayer of the members of the mystical body of Christ.  Our Holy Father, His Holiness John Paul II, has died and it is impossible not to be sad, not to feel empty.  Though he expressed in writing before he died that the faithful should rejoice and not be sad at his death, humanly speaking this is impossible.  With everything that can be acknowledged regarding the accomplishments of John Paul II, I believe sincerely that George Weigel’s statement best summarizes this man:  “This was a man who believed with every fiber of his being that Jesus Christ is the answer to the question that is human life.”  Pope John Paul II revealed to all human beings the merciful love of Christ.

            “In the name of Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, in the spirit of His messianic mission, enduring the history of humanity, we raise our voices and pray that the love which is in the Father may once again be revealed at this stage of history, and that, through the work of the Son and Holy Spirit it may be shown to be present in our modern world and to be more powerful than evil:  more powerful than sin and death.” (Dives in Misericordia, Pope John II)

            In fidelity to Holy Mother Church and the Magisterium, we at Magdalen College mourn and rejoice in this holy time of Easter the death and earthly departure of His Holiness, John Paul II.  On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Faculty, Staff and those young students whom this Pope so dearly loved, may he rest in peace.  Amen. Alleluia!

                                                                               -President Jeffrey Karls