Saint John Paul the Great: His Five Loves

by Jason Evert

A brand new biography, featuring never-before published stories.

A French novelist once wrote, "Tell me what you love, and I will tell you who you are." Although there are countless ways to study Saint John Paul the Great, the most direct route is by entering the man's heart.

Discover the five greatest loves of Saint John Paul II, through remarkable unpublished stories about him from bishops, priests who organized his papal pilgrimages, his students in Poland, Swiss Guards, and others. Mining through a mountain of papal resources, Jason Evert has uncovered the gems and now presents the Church a treasure chest brimming with the jewels of the saint's life. Rekindle your own faith by learning what (and who) captivated the heart of this great saint.

Genres: Catholic, Biography, Faith, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Religion, Christian

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Jason Evert has spoken on five continents to more than one million people about the virtue of chastity.

Jason earned a master’s degree in Theology, and undergraduate degrees in Counseling and Theology, with a minor in Philosophy at Franciscan University of Steubenville. He is a frequent guest on radio programs throughout the country, and his television appearances include Fox News, MSNBC, the BBC, and EWTN.

After speaking solo for several years, he teamed up with Crystalina, and the two married in 2003.

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this book. Not just every Catholic, not just every Catholic, every human.

There is SO much we can learn from Saint (!) John Paul the Great, that I somewhat expected this book to be but a brief introduction to this great man. And it was...but it was so much more. The book is split into 2 parts: the first part is a short biography of the saint where we get to know him a little bit more by the various names he was known as in life, and the second part then dives deeper into the "5 loves" of JPII, exploring the greatest themes and devotions of his life and ministry.

Through reading this book, I often found myself in tears...for many different reasons. Sometimes because I was struck by how a particular story was far too mysterious to be anything less than a miracle; sometimes because another story made me realize how little I knew of this saint while he was on earth and finding myself sorry to have missed that opportunity to know him more as our pope; and sometimes because I started to feel the joys and the sorrows of his life and ministry and was amazed to share such human traits with such a holy person.

Jason Evert's book is both a brilliant introduction to Pope Saint John Paul the Great (I will surely use his bibliography to build up my reading list with more of JPII's writings) and an intimate look at one of the greatest men, and most holy saints, of our modern times. We have much to learn from him, and he is just waiting to speak to us lovingly with the communion of saints.

[Joza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books are good, but others make you want to stop what you're doing and become a holy person. While reading this book, I just wanted to stop and pray. I wanted to say the rosary or go to Mass. I wanted to talk to God or Mary, and it left me feeling like I can be a better person.
Throughout the book, you get to see that John Paul II is very full of love. Of his many loves, Jason Evert keys young people, human love, The Blessed Sacrament, The Virgin Mary, and The Cross as his Five loves. I was just amazed at the extent of John Paul's love. It was also inspiring to read about his devotion to The Blessed Sacrament and to Mary. He could pray in ecstasy for hours. The fullness of his prayer made me want to become closer to God so I could pray like that. This was a very great book about a great saint. I highly recommend it.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an easy-to-read biography about select topics of Pope St. John Paul II's life. As a cradle-Catholic I'm always amazed at the lives of saints and the religious. This book allowed me to be amazed at both his spiritual life as well as his intellectual prowess. Pope St. John Paul II seemed to have a photographic memory, not for books/words, but for people and conversations. What an amazing gift to have in his life! Not just as a priest, but as the Pope and Cardinal before that. His ability and love for identifying with, and spending time with, the ordinary people he served was a theme throughout the book. It's my belief that his great memory and sense of humor assisted with this.

I would readily and highly recommend this book to anyone. Even more to people looking to deepen their respect for Pope St. John Paul II, looking to learn about him in the first place, or those who are looking for lessons to use on how to become holier themselves.

Just so I can read them all in one place, here are my favorite quotes:

- "In Wojtyla's mind, injustices such as violence and the suppression of human rights are lies spoken against the truth of humanity." p.33
- "In any civilization, the death of God precedes the death of man." p.33
- "'The more deeply people develop within themselves in their interior life, the more prone they are to silence...Every great work, all holiness, is born in silence and recollection...Only falsehood wraps itself in a flood of words. Truth is brief.'" p.42
- "The more the world deprives young people of what is true, good, and beautiful, the more earnestly will they yearn for it. The vacuum of modern secularism is actually a fragrant invitation for young people to rediscover the sacred." p.92
- "We much never forget that only when love between human beings is put to the test can its true value be seen." p.105
- "Modesty, then, is not about hiding one's body but about revealing one's worth." p.106
- "'Prayer joined to sacrifice constitutes the most powerful force in human history.'" p.178
- "'with those who are suffering, you must never be in a hurry.'"

[Monica Lafleur · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I could rate this book 5000000 stars. Life changing. What a holy man that lived totally for Our Lord. This is now one of my favourite books.

[Clare Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really did it. A wonderful combination of history, prayer, and exhortations! I’d recommend it 1000 times over and then some! Pope Saint John Paul II, pray for us!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most inspiring and beautiful books I've ever had the pleasure of reading. I love Pope John Paul II and wish I could have known him better while he was still Pope (he passed away in 2005 when I was only 10). This book offered a wonderful insight into the early years of his life (how he lost his family early, how had to study in secret because of the Nazi oppression and later the Communist oppression, and how he found his vocation to priesthood), then focused on each of his five loves (Young People, Human Love, the Holy Virgin Mary, the Eucharist, the Cross, ) while still progressing chronologically.

It was very eye-opening and elevating, and it's the kind of book that makes you want to be better. There was something so loveable about Saint John Paul, he came across as so friendly, encouraging and comforting! The book had the same effect. I felt such a sense of peace while reading it, yet it left me with a definite feeling of "Wow! That was amazing!" as soon as it was over. It's a book that makes you want to be better, holier, and love Jesus and Mary as much as he did, pray as much as he did, and be as fervent as he was. It was wonderful and I loved learning more about one my favourite saints, and discovering what a truly gifted man he was (his intelligence was quite something -- he had two doctorates, and there wasn't a subject he didn't seem to have the answer to!). I loved it and strongly recommend it!!

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not for a long time have I anticipated a book release like I did for this one. And it lived up to the expectations! Thanks to Jason's bulk pricing, I will be using tithing money to send out copies of this book far and wide. If you are a friend or family member of mine, look for it on your door stop soon. St. JP2, pray for us!

[Austin Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible

[Marie Marcalus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unreal. A little ashamed that it’s taken me this long to get to know the man himself, but wow — I cried most of this book through. My only hope is that I could become a fraction of what this man was (and still is!). Thankful that our saintly friendship is finally starting; I know I’ll need him for the rest of my life. St. John Paul II, pray for me!!!

[Joaquin Mejia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jason Evert wrote a wonderful and inspiring book about a very wonderful and inspiring man. Pope Saint John Paul II, who this book is about, was an amazing man who preached love, peace, hope, and courage all over the world. Saint John Paul II is the servant of Christ who most inspires me to follow Him. I am so impressed with the connection John Paul II has with everyone, especially the young. I get so inspired by how he bravely preached the teachings of the Catholic Church despite the widespread acceptance of things contrary to them. I think John Paul II is a good model for every Catholic. He was prayerful, loving, merciful, and courageous. I think we would be doing good if we followed learned more about his life, words, and example.

I was born and baptized on 2002, during the last years of John Paul's papacy. So he died when I was only three years old. And I only began learning about him much later after he was canonized on 2014 when I was twelve years old. At that age though, I did not really understand his teachings on human dignity and marriage. But now I understand them. But I don't just understand his teachings, I now get inspired by his life and example. The example John Paul showed so many people of serving Christ and His Church speaks more to us than words that are written and spoken.

This book by Jason Evert was truly a delight to me. I always wanted to read about Saint John Paul II. And this book does not just tell you about events that happened to him or the words he said. The book teaches you about the things that are dearest to John Paul II's heart. Jason Evert talks about John Paul II's love for young people, human love, and the Eucharist, the Virgin Mary, and the Cross. I'm so glad Jason Evert wrote this book because learning about those "five loves'' of St. John Paul II helped me learn about what brought the saint closer to Jesus Christ.

I'll be reading more about St. John Paul II in the future. I know the author of this book really loves St. John Paul II. I love him as well. He will always continue to be an inspiration to me in following Christ and His Church.

[Katie Strickland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really recommend reading this book, while eating a pierogi and then praying a rosary

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I was a little kid through the largest portion of his Popedom and really didn’t know much about him. I got to know him through these pages, a really wonderful collection of stories about him, the millions of people he touched, and his inner pious and prayerful life. He was a force to be reckoned with for sure. It’s really wonderful that he was made a saint so quickly after his death and we as Catholics now have the ability to pray for his intercession. His devotion to Our Lady and the divine mercy was evident throughout the book and also inspiring.

[Ashley Stricklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am literally CRYING. One of the best books I have EVER read. Jason Evert does a Fantastic job weaving in a personal narrative then effortless changing to his 5 loves. I recommend this book to anyone catholic or Protestant. Saint John Paul the Great truly resembled what it meant to be a good shepherd.

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to even begin? It's not a story, but yet it reads somewhat like a story. A story about one of the greatest Popes & Saints of our time. Pope Saint John Paul The Great (JP2). JP2 was so beloved and so holy during his life that just weeks after his death, the masses were already calling for his canonization to sainthood. Now typically, for those of you who don't know, the canonization process normally does not begin until at least 5 years after the person in question has passed on. But his successor, Pope Benedict XVI, decided to waive this waiting period and the process had begun.

This book, His Five Loves, shows exactly why this 5 year waiting period was waived. This memoir/biography about JP2 is split in to two main sections while just being divided into chapters. The first section is a biography of sorts about his life growing up, his priesthood all the way leading up to his election as Pope after JP1 passed away (and predicted that the next one would be JP2, like this guy told the cardinals they would choose again very soon).

Karol Józef Wojtyła was born in Poland in 1920. Which means he was raised during World War 2 and to read about all the trials and tribulations it is clear that this man was blessed from the beginning. To read about his priesthood and just how much he gives to his parish is awe inspiring.And to read about his wit is an absolute delight. For many of us, JP2 died when we were too young to truly understand who this great man was. And this book makes me truly wish he had lived so much longer and that i could have encountered and truly felt his blessings on my life. He is the Pope that did so much for the world and for the Catholic faith.

The second part of the book is about his 5 great loves of his papacy. Each chapter dives deep into his experiences surounding each of these 5 loves during his papacy while still cataloging his timeline and his life in general. These 5 loves give so much insight and inspiration through this great man and makes it extremely clear just how much of a living saint this man was.

He truly is Pope Saint John Paul the Great.

[Aimee Ecuyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good read! Started out as preparation for a trip to Poland. Didn’t finish it before I left so I ended up reading it during and after the trip as well.
This is perfect for you if you find the size of “Witness to Hope” a bit intimidating. It’s a great composition that gives you deeper insight into the person of JPII with anecdotes and personal accounts from primary sources like a biography. It simultaneously lays the groundwork for the most foundational lessons throughout JPII’s works. In learning to love what he loved, we can imitate him imitating Christ and surely find hope in the promise of the resurrection.

[Sandra Sparkler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book about a wonderful Pope and now a saint. Evert talks about Saint John Paul's life and then goes in-depth into his five loves: Young People, Human Love, The Eucharist, Our Lady, and the Holy Cross.

[Catherine Schue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful testimony of the love St. John Paul II had for the church. His devotions to Mary and to the Eucharistic are incredibly inspirational; it really opened my eyes to the power and beauty of Marian devotions. 10000/10 everyone should read this.
P.S. discovered JPII went by ‘Unc’

[Elizabeth Campo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoughtful and beautiful book about an incredible man! The stories shared bring such insight to how Saint John Paul II lived his life as the hands and feet of Christ throughout his entire life. A must read for any Catholic!

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This is one of those books that took me a while to read, not because of the difficulty or complexity, but because I literally had to stop every 5 pages or so to just reflect on the incredible stories he was telling of JPII. I hadn’t heard most of them, and to read them all one after the other was pretty humbling to say the least.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm speechless after reading this book! Saint John Paul the Great was truly a saint and truly great.

From his first breath to his last, he was different than all the rest of us. Forged in the furnace of affliction, he became one of God's most treasured gifts to mankind during the 20th century - and more than 4 years of the 21st century.

Reading this book is certainly a challenge to personal holiness and dedication to God and the Church. Pope John Paul II was great because he cultivated a great interior life in Christ through countless hours of prayer.

There are so many wonderful words that could be uttered by human voices in every tongue known to mankind to describe this giant of a man.

The best way to remember him is to remember him as he wished - a man of the people. Yes, he was truly a man of God, a man after God's own heart, but he was always happy just to be around people.

We miss you, John Paul the Second!

[Tirzah Eleora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book about a great man! I found it both humbling and inspiring.

The first half of the book is a compact biography, while the second half describes his special love for five different things: young people, human love, the Eucharist, Mary and the Cross.

It's well written and engaging, and I would especially recommend it for teens and as an introductory biography of this spiritual giant.

[Ann Yeong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring. Moving. This book feels like a 'behind-the-scenes' special on the making of a saint - a privileged look at how God crafted His masterpiece in Pope Saint John Paul II. This book is itself wonderfully written - rich in sources, well-researched, and written in an eminently readable and personable style. Furthermore, not only is the book valuable as an insight into Saint JP II's life, it also provides invaluable insight into the kind of intimacy with God and deep interior life that all Christians are called to have.

[Veronica Basel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful narrative that explains the full life of an extraordinary human. Evert does a fantastic job of explaining the truths, sufferings, and loves of PJP2, in a way that makes you feel like you’re the popes friend. He uncovers pieces of his life before and during his papacy that audibly make you say, “woah!” This book leaves you not discouraged or overwhelmed by his remarkable life, but inspired and encouraged to live a life for God just as PJP2 did.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommend? HUGE YES! This book changed my life and had me cheering, "JP2, I love you!" the entire time. I hope many young people can get their hands on this book. I learned so much about him. I really liked how Evert laid the book out according to his five great loves and dove into each one, revealing the story of JP2's life. It's neat that Evert wrote this about him, considering his own love for Pope John Paul II. He is a true scholar of this saint!

[jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

im 13 & i have three copies of this book at home from family members, one who is a brother of the catholic church. when i first read this book i became so interested about everything. this book is absolutely amazing. its detailed with information and i just love reading this book. i hope you'll love this book too if you read it.

this is book is definitely 10 out of 5 stars!!!

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jason Evert does an incredible job of not only sharing the history of Pope Saint John Paul II’s life but the loves he shares for young people, the Eucharist, Mary, human love and sexuality, and the Cross.

“The more the world deprives young people of what is beautiful, good, and true, the more earnestly they will yearn for it.”

[Mark Harrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s only one GOAT, but we all know JPII walked in His footsteps more heroically than most. I imagine the face of magnanimity has far more ambitious installments detailing his legendary life, but I can’t imagine a more honorable job in 200 pages. Jason Evert did good here; given the low expectations and accessibility level, I find this to be near the top of my Catholic recommendations. Don’t take yourself too seriously, save yourself months of page flipping, and let this simple glimpse into a life—seemingly mythical if not lived just a couple decades ago—stoke zeal and devotion.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read one review before I read this book and a woman said she cried throughout the whole thing, so obviously I read it and cried throughout the whole thing. No words, just 5 stars. St. Pope JPII, pray for us!

[Katherine Kanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️

While the writing and organization of this book was a tad disorienting and distracting at times, it’s of course full of great content. I’m surprised at how little I actually knew about JPII’s early life and pontificate and am grateful for this book in drawing me deeper into his life and heart. JPII, pray for us!

[Vince Duarte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evert’s style is very simple, so it left me wanting more. That being said, his strength is storytelling— which is why he is so good at live speeches.

Totus tuus ego sum et omnia mea tua sunt. “I am all yours, and all that is mine is yours.”