What do you think?
Rate this book
Gift and Mystery
The Pope recounts how and why he became a priest and offers a testimony of his faith and convictions
128 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1996
10 people are currently reading
352 people want to read
About the author
Pope John Paul II
1,046 books631 followersSaint Pope John Paul II (Latin: Ioannes Paulus II), born Karol Józef Wojtyła was elected Pope at the Conclave of 16 October 1978, and he took the name of John Paul II. On 22 October, the Lord's Day, he solemnly inaugurated his Petrine ministry as the 263rd successor to the Apostle. His pontificate, one of the longest in the history of the Church, lasted nearly 27 years.
Driven by his pastoral solicitude for all Churches and by a sense of openness and charity to the entire human race, John Paul II exercised the Petrine ministry with a tireless missionary spirit, dedicating it all his energy. He made 104 pastoral visits outside Italy and 146 within Italy. As bishop of Rome he visited 317 of the city's 333 parishes.
He had more meetings than any of his predecessors with the People of God and the leaders of Nations. More than 17,600,000 pilgrims participated in the General Audiences held on Wednesdays (more than 1160), not counting other special audiences and religious ceremonies [more than 8 million pilgrims during the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000 alone], and the millions of faithful he met during pastoral visits in Italy and throughout the world. We must also remember the numerous government personalities he encountered during 38 official visits, 738 audiences and meetings held with Heads of State, and 246 audiences and meetings with Prime Ministers.
His love for young people brought him to establish the World Youth Days. The 19 WYDs celebrated during his pontificate brought together millions of young people from all over the world. At the same time his care for the family was expressed in the World Meetings of Families, which he initiated in 1994. John Paul II successfully encouraged dialogue with the Jews and with the representatives of other religions, whom he several times invited to prayer meetings for peace, especially in Assisi.
Under his guidance the Church prepared herself for the third millennium and celebrated the Great Jubilee of the year 2000 in accordance with the instructions given in the Apostolic Letter Tertio Millennio adveniente. The Church then faced the new epoch, receiving his instructions in the Apostolic Letter Novo Millennio ineunte, in which he indicated to the faithful their future path.
With the Year of the Redemption, the Marian Year and the Year of the Eucharist, he promoted the spiritual renewal of the Church. He gave an extraordinary impetus to Canonizations and Beatifications, focusing on countless examples of holiness as an incentive for the people of our time. He celebrated 147 beatification ceremonies during which he proclaimed 1,338 Blesseds; and 51 canonizations for a total of 482 saints. He made Thérèse of the Child Jesus a Doctor of the Church.
He considerably expanded the College of Cardinals, creating 231 Cardinals (plus one in pectore) in 9 consistories. He also called six full meetings of the College of Cardinals. His most important Documents include 14 Encyclicals, 15 Apostolic Exhortations, 11 Apostolic Constitutions, 45 Apostolic Letters. He promulgated the Catechism of the Catholic Church in the light of Tradition as authoritatively interpreted by the Second Vatican Council. He also reformed the Eastern and Western Codes of Canon Law, created new Institutions and reorganized the Roman Curia.
In the light of Christ risen from the dead, on 2 April 2005 at 9.37 p.m., while Saturday was drawing to a close and the Lord's Day was already beginning, the Octave of Easter and Divine Mercy Sunday, the Church's beloved Pastor, John Paul II, departed this world for the Father. On April 1, 2011, he was raised to the glory of the altars and on April 27, 2014 canonized.
Driven by his pastoral solicitude for all Churches and by a sense of openness and charity to the entire human race, John Paul II exercised the Petrine ministry with a tireless missionary spirit, dedicating it all his energy. He made 104 pastoral visits outside Italy and 146 within Italy. As bishop of Rome he visited 317 of the city's 333 parishes.
He had more meetings than any of his predecessors with the People of God and the leaders of Nations. More than 17,600,000 pilgrims participated in the General Audiences held on Wednesdays (more than 1160), not counting other special audiences and religious ceremonies [more than 8 million pilgrims during the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000 alone], and the millions of faithful he met during pastoral visits in Italy and throughout the world. We must also remember the numerous government personalities he encountered during 38 official visits, 738 audiences and meetings held with Heads of State, and 246 audiences and meetings with Prime Ministers.
His love for young people brought him to establish the World Youth Days. The 19 WYDs celebrated during his pontificate brought together millions of young people from all over the world. At the same time his care for the family was expressed in the World Meetings of Families, which he initiated in 1994. John Paul II successfully encouraged dialogue with the Jews and with the representatives of other religions, whom he several times invited to prayer meetings for peace, especially in Assisi.
Under his guidance the Church prepared herself for the third millennium and celebrated the Great Jubilee of the year 2000 in accordance with the instructions given in the Apostolic Letter Tertio Millennio adveniente. The Church then faced the new epoch, receiving his instructions in the Apostolic Letter Novo Millennio ineunte, in which he indicated to the faithful their future path.
With the Year of the Redemption, the Marian Year and the Year of the Eucharist, he promoted the spiritual renewal of the Church. He gave an extraordinary impetus to Canonizations and Beatifications, focusing on countless examples of holiness as an incentive for the people of our time. He celebrated 147 beatification ceremonies during which he proclaimed 1,338 Blesseds; and 51 canonizations for a total of 482 saints. He made Thérèse of the Child Jesus a Doctor of the Church.
He considerably expanded the College of Cardinals, creating 231 Cardinals (plus one in pectore) in 9 consistories. He also called six full meetings of the College of Cardinals. His most important Documents include 14 Encyclicals, 15 Apostolic Exhortations, 11 Apostolic Constitutions, 45 Apostolic Letters. He promulgated the Catechism of the Catholic Church in the light of Tradition as authoritatively interpreted by the Second Vatican Council. He also reformed the Eastern and Western Codes of Canon Law, created new Institutions and reorganized the Roman Curia.
In the light of Christ risen from the dead, on 2 April 2005 at 9.37 p.m., while Saturday was drawing to a close and the Lord's Day was already beginning, the Octave of Easter and Divine Mercy Sunday, the Church's beloved Pastor, John Paul II, departed this world for the Father. On April 1, 2011, he was raised to the glory of the altars and on April 27, 2014 canonized.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 29, 2025
This has been one of the best books I’ve ever read. I’d recommend it to anyone, but especially to men considering the priesthood. It is also a great gift to priests themselves. Honestly should be assigned reading in seminary. It’s great. JP2 examines the people, places, and events which God used to call him to the priesthood. He expresses his tremendous gratitude to God for his vocation. Additionally, he provides profound reflections on the purpose, benefits, and needs regarding the priesthood. It is so beautiful that we have this great gift from a Pope, and especially now that he is a Saint. I’m not the first person to say this, but I’ll say it: John Paul II found his calling.
October 17, 2025
This man really loved being a priest and I am so grateful for his example. Pray for priests! Pray for seminarians!
September 15, 2018
I was expecting this book to be the story of his life. Instead it was small details of things in his life that made him who is was as a priest and later the Pope.
May 19, 2023
A phenomenal little book and all the more poignant to read while I was in Wadowice and Kalwaria Zebrzydowska.
October 14, 2014
Written as a book of reflection on half a century after taking up his priestly vocation, this book by Pope John Paul II is very personal. In it he talks about how he came to be a priest, and what shaped him as an individual. He lost his father at a young age and fate decreed that he be born in Poland leading up to WWII. As such he witnessed first hand evil pressures all around, all of which were dehumanizing. “The two totalitarian systems which tragically marked our century—Nazism on the one hand, marked by the horrors of war and the concentration camps, and communism on the other, with its regime of oppression and terror—I cam to know, so to speak, from within. And so it is easy to understand my deep concern for the dignity of every human person and the need to respect human rights…” (67)
It is easy to understand this indeed, and it is important to understand the first hand experience of all survivors of these regimes. I’m worried that, as their memory recedes into history, we will forget or be desensitized to their cruelty and end up allowing similar regimes to creep back.
He traces his early years as a seminarian, his intellectual and spiritual influences, and ultimately his rise to the papacy. He discusses his theory of priesthood, and many of the mysteries of the Roman Catholic faith. Pope John Paul II was always a man of work. “I became a Bishop twelve years after my priestly ordination: a good part of these fifty years has been marked by this care for vocations. A Bishop’s joy is great when the Lord gives vocations to his Church, while their absence causes him anxiety and concern. The Lord Jesus compared this concern to that of the reaper: ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest’ (Mt 9:37).” (98)
With a little hindsight, it is easy to get a clearer picture of the impact of Pope John Paul II. He was a major force for change in the world, and took it upon himself and the Church to resist the forces of Totalitarianism everywhere. He did not advocate violence, he resisted it. He also never backed down from proclaiming the truth, and calling people to their spiritual calling. He was clearly conservative as well, and as such there are a group of people who emphasize his rejection of many progressive policies. His purpose in this book is not to argue these points, but merely to explain how he got to where he was. This is an interesting book.
It is easy to understand this indeed, and it is important to understand the first hand experience of all survivors of these regimes. I’m worried that, as their memory recedes into history, we will forget or be desensitized to their cruelty and end up allowing similar regimes to creep back.
He traces his early years as a seminarian, his intellectual and spiritual influences, and ultimately his rise to the papacy. He discusses his theory of priesthood, and many of the mysteries of the Roman Catholic faith. Pope John Paul II was always a man of work. “I became a Bishop twelve years after my priestly ordination: a good part of these fifty years has been marked by this care for vocations. A Bishop’s joy is great when the Lord gives vocations to his Church, while their absence causes him anxiety and concern. The Lord Jesus compared this concern to that of the reaper: ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest’ (Mt 9:37).” (98)
With a little hindsight, it is easy to get a clearer picture of the impact of Pope John Paul II. He was a major force for change in the world, and took it upon himself and the Church to resist the forces of Totalitarianism everywhere. He did not advocate violence, he resisted it. He also never backed down from proclaiming the truth, and calling people to their spiritual calling. He was clearly conservative as well, and as such there are a group of people who emphasize his rejection of many progressive policies. His purpose in this book is not to argue these points, but merely to explain how he got to where he was. This is an interesting book.
September 25, 2024
What does one say after fifty years of priesthood? How can you summarize all that a life encompasses in a mere 100 pages?
Pope John Paul II reflects on his golden jubilee as a priest, and what it all means. I loved reading about his humble beginnings, from his call to the priesthood to his clandestine studies in occupied Poland. His studying in Rome was highly formative, along with all those people he encountered along the way.
But it's not just a retrospective. He explains what it means to be a priest, and advice to his sacred brotherhood. It's so interesting to read all of this after the fact, knowing his fifty years spanned from WWII and through the Second Vatican Council. Pope John Paul II was formative to the very Church he served, too.
This is a quick read, but there's so much packed into it.
Pope John Paul II reflects on his golden jubilee as a priest, and what it all means. I loved reading about his humble beginnings, from his call to the priesthood to his clandestine studies in occupied Poland. His studying in Rome was highly formative, along with all those people he encountered along the way.
But it's not just a retrospective. He explains what it means to be a priest, and advice to his sacred brotherhood. It's so interesting to read all of this after the fact, knowing his fifty years spanned from WWII and through the Second Vatican Council. Pope John Paul II was formative to the very Church he served, too.
This is a quick read, but there's so much packed into it.
February 3, 2025
What a blessing to be able to read this book written by our Holy Pope John Paul II. It's a quick read, but rich in details of his life. I believe that, because it was written during his 50 years in the priesthood, it's sometimes a little more geared towards the clergy, but it's a valid read for all of us lay people too.
It's beautiful to read about a pope/priest who loved Jesus and his vocation with all his heart. And he calls us all to this love, and we really need more priests like that, more people like that. For it is in the priest that we seek Jesus here on earth.
Even with all the difficulties he faced in his childhood/adolescence, losing his family and facing war, God had already sent him to guide us. What a blessing it must have been for those who had the opportunity to get to know him closely.
It's beautiful to read about a pope/priest who loved Jesus and his vocation with all his heart. And he calls us all to this love, and we really need more priests like that, more people like that. For it is in the priest that we seek Jesus here on earth.
Even with all the difficulties he faced in his childhood/adolescence, losing his family and facing war, God had already sent him to guide us. What a blessing it must have been for those who had the opportunity to get to know him closely.
December 12, 2023
Many lessons from his life and spirituality!
'Gift and Mystery' by Pope John Paul II was a short, yet worthwhile read about the late pope's life and both its blessings and struggles, lessons learned from being a priest and bishop, teachings on the Mass and sacramwnts, what can the laity draw from all of this.
There is not much to say about this, other than how much I enjoyed reading it. I learned a lot about the pope and his spirituality. I admit I knew somewhat of these before reading, but I am thankful to have had the opportunity to improve my knowledge.
In conclusion, a good book. If you are Catholic or Polish, then I recommend this book to you.
'Gift and Mystery' by Pope John Paul II was a short, yet worthwhile read about the late pope's life and both its blessings and struggles, lessons learned from being a priest and bishop, teachings on the Mass and sacramwnts, what can the laity draw from all of this.
There is not much to say about this, other than how much I enjoyed reading it. I learned a lot about the pope and his spirituality. I admit I knew somewhat of these before reading, but I am thankful to have had the opportunity to improve my knowledge.
In conclusion, a good book. If you are Catholic or Polish, then I recommend this book to you.
April 18, 2021
Good book. I am not Catholic but I do not believe you have to be one to read this book. In this book I could feel the love, the passion, and knowledge of Pope John Paul II. There is an innocence here to be discovered in this short read. Through the book there is a brief sample of Pope John Paul’s early life, his experience with the Nazi regime and later the communist regime of his time. The book is written in such a sweet spirit that it was a good break from my usual reading topics in theology. Glad I found this book.
July 14, 2025
A brief autobiographical summary of his priestly formation as JPII reflected on his 50th anniversary of the priesthood. It was written toward an audience of fellow priests, but there were still good takeaways for laypersons throughout.
It left me with a strong desire to learn more about his young adult life, from discernment of the priesthood through his baby priest years, especially given the world history that coincided during that time.
As an aside, trying to pronounce the large number of Polish names in this book was humbling.
It left me with a strong desire to learn more about his young adult life, from discernment of the priesthood through his baby priest years, especially given the world history that coincided during that time.
As an aside, trying to pronounce the large number of Polish names in this book was humbling.
November 25, 2017
Książka ma dwie części, jedna płynnie przechodzi w drugą. Pierwsza część to autobiografia papieża z czasów kształtowania się jego powołania do kapłaństwa, z seminarium i pierwszych lat po święceniach. Jest tu trochę dygresji, ale większość to fakty i raczej nic odkrywczego w niej nie znalazłem. Druga, krótsza część to zbiór rozmyślań o kapłaństwie. Dygresji jest całe mnóstwo, papież skacze od wątku do wątku, co mi nie przypadło do gustu.
January 17, 2023
Read for School…
Which I decided I’m going to start counting lol. This book is a short autobiography of JPII’s vocation to the priesthood. Although it wasn’t the most interesting thing I’ve read by him it offered a beautiful reflection on the nature of the priesthood and his specific journey. I really liked the paintings of various churches important in his life!
Which I decided I’m going to start counting lol. This book is a short autobiography of JPII’s vocation to the priesthood. Although it wasn’t the most interesting thing I’ve read by him it offered a beautiful reflection on the nature of the priesthood and his specific journey. I really liked the paintings of various churches important in his life!
January 6, 2024
Felt very biographical and included very little thought or reflection on his role as a whole. There was some, but it was much more of him recalling the people and places that were important to him and shaped who he was as a priest and eventually as the Pope.
March 8, 2025
A good, short read from the saint I chose to model my life after when I was confirmed into the Catholic Church, but I suppose I was expecting something more from this book. Pope Saint John II, pray for us.
March 14, 2025
Beautifully written :) Better than Jason Evert's "Saint John Paul the Great: His Five Loves" because this one is in JPII's own perspective! You can feel the depth of this man's...everything. Praise God
May 2, 2025
True to the title, but provides little more than a brief outline of St. Pope John Paul II’s priestly formation. But then again, it’s not meant to be more than that. But I can’t pronounce Polish names so it gets 2 stars.
July 18, 2018
A wonderful book on priestly spirituality. Best guide for all seminarians.
May 7, 2019
Inspirational. Nice insight into Pope John Paul 11 life.
March 16, 2021
A book that became a turning point in my life.
October 22, 2023
Insightful snapshot of his earlier life.
November 2, 2023
Súper rápido y resumido… la verdad es que Juan Pablo II vivió demasiado. Qué locura… Entiendo porqué tantos siguen su ejemplo
September 8, 2024
A great mini-autobiography of Pope St. John Paul II.
August 20, 2025
Beautiful and tender. Unlike anything of his I have read previously.
September 12, 2016
3.5 to be more precise.
This is a small (~100 pages) book consisting of JP II's own reflections on being a priest and bishop; thoughts and comments about where he came from, what influenced him, and his different charisms. I wish that he could've spent more time reflecting about the deep implications of the different parts of his priesthood - he does do that towards the end of the book (e.g. "A Minister of Mercy," "A Man of the Word," "The Priest and the Eucharist," etc), but a lot of the book is a kind of cursory glance at his life before and as an ordained clergy, and you only get a brief glimpse into what makes him 'tick.' JP II even states in the introduction that in writing this, he let himself "...be freely carried along by a wave of memories, without any intention of providing a strictly documentary account." One of the biggest 'gaps' in this free-flowing memory recollection is that at one point, JP II simply states that he "decided to enter the seminary." I was really hoping for an entire chapter (if not more) devoted to *why* he decided to enter. But again, JP II does state that he didn't have any intention of this little book being a documentary account... in his usual writing style, he spirals a bit.
The parts of the book where JP II DOES spend more time meditating on the deep mysteries connecting the priesthood with Christ's life are well-worth pondering and praying with. It is a neat little book that again makes me want to try to attempt to pick up George Weigel's 1000+ page biography of this great saint.
This is a small (~100 pages) book consisting of JP II's own reflections on being a priest and bishop; thoughts and comments about where he came from, what influenced him, and his different charisms. I wish that he could've spent more time reflecting about the deep implications of the different parts of his priesthood - he does do that towards the end of the book (e.g. "A Minister of Mercy," "A Man of the Word," "The Priest and the Eucharist," etc), but a lot of the book is a kind of cursory glance at his life before and as an ordained clergy, and you only get a brief glimpse into what makes him 'tick.' JP II even states in the introduction that in writing this, he let himself "...be freely carried along by a wave of memories, without any intention of providing a strictly documentary account." One of the biggest 'gaps' in this free-flowing memory recollection is that at one point, JP II simply states that he "decided to enter the seminary." I was really hoping for an entire chapter (if not more) devoted to *why* he decided to enter. But again, JP II does state that he didn't have any intention of this little book being a documentary account... in his usual writing style, he spirals a bit.
The parts of the book where JP II DOES spend more time meditating on the deep mysteries connecting the priesthood with Christ's life are well-worth pondering and praying with. It is a neat little book that again makes me want to try to attempt to pick up George Weigel's 1000+ page biography of this great saint.
July 28, 2011
What an interesting book. Ministers of the Gospel of Christ will find JPII's instruction to priests especially beneficial. His calling to ministers (priests) to be experts in their calling from God is of tremendous need among all who stand and speak forth the Gospels.
Ministry is done in the Word, and in the Word lived out in the life of faithful ministers. JPII sees very clearly the importance of living a sanctified life, wholly & holy to Christ, for the glory of the Father.
Catholic and non-Catholic alike will find in this text, as in "Rise, Let Us Be On Our Way" an introspective heart that sought to achieve what he felt was best for humanity and for Christ. Agree or disagree with JPII's theology, it is difficult to argue with many of his conclusions of the need for living a holy life.
Is he the greatest Pope since Peter (if you believe Peter was a Pope)? Probably not. Is he a tremendous philosopher with a worldview which was born out of suffering and living in numerous atrocities? Absolutely. Either way though the book will cause one to think about their own life and personal holiness.
Ministry is done in the Word, and in the Word lived out in the life of faithful ministers. JPII sees very clearly the importance of living a sanctified life, wholly & holy to Christ, for the glory of the Father.
Catholic and non-Catholic alike will find in this text, as in "Rise, Let Us Be On Our Way" an introspective heart that sought to achieve what he felt was best for humanity and for Christ. Agree or disagree with JPII's theology, it is difficult to argue with many of his conclusions of the need for living a holy life.
Is he the greatest Pope since Peter (if you believe Peter was a Pope)? Probably not. Is he a tremendous philosopher with a worldview which was born out of suffering and living in numerous atrocities? Absolutely. Either way though the book will cause one to think about their own life and personal holiness.
August 20, 2015
Saint John Paul the Great offers a riveting testimony in Gift and Mystery. His pursuance of Christ the Redeemer in his daily life, priestly stewardship, and in his prayer life is inspiring.
Saint JP2's elaboration on his connection and dependency on the Eucharist is remarkable. The way that he sees the Eucharist, and the connection of the Priest and Jesus is beautiful.
One of my favorite stories from the book was when Saint JP2 discussed growing up with his father. Saint JP2 recalls many times walking into his father's room late at night and seeing his father knelt down and praying. Saint JP2 had mentioned that he and his father did not directly talk about the priesthood, but as JP2 states that they didn't need to. For he grew up in a domestic seminary.
My favorite quote from this book is, "As for me, from the very first years of my priesthood, the celebration of the Eucharist has been not only my most sacred duty, but above all my soul's deepest need."
The holiness and authenticity of Saint JP2 is very clear in his book Gift and Mystery. I recommend this book to all who want to learn more about Saint JP2 and his priestly perspectives.
Saint JP2's elaboration on his connection and dependency on the Eucharist is remarkable. The way that he sees the Eucharist, and the connection of the Priest and Jesus is beautiful.
One of my favorite stories from the book was when Saint JP2 discussed growing up with his father. Saint JP2 recalls many times walking into his father's room late at night and seeing his father knelt down and praying. Saint JP2 had mentioned that he and his father did not directly talk about the priesthood, but as JP2 states that they didn't need to. For he grew up in a domestic seminary.
My favorite quote from this book is, "As for me, from the very first years of my priesthood, the celebration of the Eucharist has been not only my most sacred duty, but above all my soul's deepest need."
The holiness and authenticity of Saint JP2 is very clear in his book Gift and Mystery. I recommend this book to all who want to learn more about Saint JP2 and his priestly perspectives.
April 19, 2022
Vote: 3,75
Class: P-A2 (FP)
(nel 50° della sua ordinazione Giovanni Paolo II racconta la storia della sua vocazione)
L'infanzia, la passione per il teatro, l'invasione nazista e la successiva occupazione comunista. E nel frattempo lo sbocciare del mistero della vocazione, dono eterno di Dio a un uomo che ha saputo rispondere sempre di sì alla voce del Padre che lo chiamava al sacerdozio prima, all'episcopato e alla cattedra di Pietro poi. E infine alla donazione di ogni fibra del suo essere nella malattia.
Un libro da leggere per scoprire la semplicità e la santità di uno dei più grandi uomini mai vissuti e il significato del sacerdozio per la Chiesa e per il mondo.
Class: P-A2 (FP)
(nel 50° della sua ordinazione Giovanni Paolo II racconta la storia della sua vocazione)
L'infanzia, la passione per il teatro, l'invasione nazista e la successiva occupazione comunista. E nel frattempo lo sbocciare del mistero della vocazione, dono eterno di Dio a un uomo che ha saputo rispondere sempre di sì alla voce del Padre che lo chiamava al sacerdozio prima, all'episcopato e alla cattedra di Pietro poi. E infine alla donazione di ogni fibra del suo essere nella malattia.
Un libro da leggere per scoprire la semplicità e la santità di uno dei più grandi uomini mai vissuti e il significato del sacerdozio per la Chiesa e per il mondo.
May 20, 2014
Pope John Paul II is someone who is very inspirational in his unwavering and deep faith and the way he tried to evangelize the rest of the rest of the world. He cared for all peoples, not just Catholics or Christians, and he wanted to share his faith with them. In this book, he talks about when he decided to become a priest, his days in the seminary, his family, his first years after being ordained and then being chosen pope. He also leaves some advice for new priests. I found it all very fascinating. Pope John Paul is a role model for priests and his words will live on through time.
March 7, 2009
This book is okay. There is a good discussion on the role of the Eucharist in the priesthood that was refreshing to read and should be read by anyone entertaining the idea of becoming a priest. This book would be good for all priests and seminarians to read as the Pope shows how the little things affected his choice to enter into the priesthood and devout his life to the service of Christ in holy orders.
April 29, 2014
I read this for the occasion of JPII's canonization on April 27th. It is a quick and easy read, about 100pages. I enjoyed reading about his priesthood and the struggles he went through under the Communist regime as a seminarian. I had read other biographies, so I knew his history, but it was neat to read it in his own words.
The final chapters are written for a priestly audience, but it was still edifying and a nice mediation on the priesthood and its role in the world.
The final chapters are written for a priestly audience, but it was still edifying and a nice mediation on the priesthood and its role in the world.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews