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100 Ways John Paul II Changed the World
"There is no evil to be faced that Christ does not face with us. There is no enemy that Christ has not already conquered. There is no cross to bear that Christ has not already borne for us, and does not now bear with us."
Pope Saint John Paul II embodied these words throughout his life. Born May 18, 1920, in Wadowice, Poland, Karol Józef Wojtyla lived in times of political turmoil. As a young man during the Nazi occupation of Poland, he studied in an underground seminary. As pope, he was instrumental in the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe. Through it all, he maintained an unwavering hope in the ultimate triumph of love, truth, and beauty. He remains a hero to millions of people for his unflinching defense of the Church and her teachings.
John Paul II changed the world in many ways; this book describes 100 of the most important. Each of the 100 accomplishments, teachings, or stories about John Paul II is fascinating, providing a glimpse into the astounding life and impact of this great and beloved saint.
"No one can deny that Pope Saint John Paul II had a staggering impact on the world. Among other things, he was a political visionary, a cultural influencer, an artist, a formidable thinker and theologian, and above all, a courageous shepherd of the people of God. Patrick Novecosky has done the Church and the world an invaluable service by highlighting 100 of the most important ways in which this beloved saint transformed the world by urging souls to 'Be not afraid, ' and to allow themselves to fall deeply in love with Christ." -- Raymond Arroyo, EWTN News Director and New York Times bestselling author
"Pope Saint John Paul II was a leader in every sense -- spiritual, moral, intellectual, and political. With vision, charisma, and most of all love, he exerted a profound and lasting influence on the Church and the world, and that influence continues today -- 100 years after his birth. Of course, he changed the world in millions of ways that no book will ever be able to capture. But in 100 Ways John Paul II Changed the World, Patrick Novecosky offers a sweeping picture of the astonishing impact of this great man. Read this book and share it with everyone you know." -- Senator Rick Santorum
"I cannot think of anyone who has had a bigger impact on the world in recent years than Saint John Paul II. Patrick has masterfully described 100 ways in which this saint has brought about global change. This list is important as it reminds us of the changes that must be upheld and provides inspiration to those who want to bring about 100 more changes!" -- Jeff Cavins, founder of The Great Adventure Bible Study
"To many, Saint John Paul II was the only pope they knew while growing up. However, many younger Catholics have yet to discover the greatness of his life and legacy. In his book 100 Ways John Paul II Changed the World, Patrick Novecosky offers a wealth of stories and examples that will rekindle devotion in all for this tremendous saint!" -- Jason Evert, author of Saint John Paul the Great and Theology of the Body in One Hour
"Patrick entered the winner's circle when he wrote this book, unpacking the historical papacy of Saint John Paul into 100 topics that reveal the breadth, depth, and beauty of his long pontificate. Thorough, well-researched and documented, yet easily readable, 100 Ways unveils the brightness of John Paul's soul, the brilliance of his mind, and the boldness of his travels and initiatives such as World Youth Days. Behind every gesture, every prayer, every innovation, every apostolic trip, every bold move was John Paul's simple, childlike, trusting faith in both God and mankind. Patrick's personal stories and memories of Saint John Paul enhance this riveting journey through a unique papacy, and leave you awed, inspired and thankful for this saintly pontiff." -- Joan Lewis, EWTN's Rome Bureau Chief
"A fascinating and enjoyable commentary, rich with insights into the many facets and feats of the inimitable Pope John Paul II." -- Patrick Madrid, host of the Patrick Madrid Show on Relevant Radio
"Novecosky has done a superb job pulling together many of the threads in Saint John Paul II's life. At the heart of this story, you will see the fruit of a life lived from a place of encounter with Jesus Christ. There is something in 100 Ways for everyone -- I highly recommend it!" -- Curtis Martin, founder, Fellowship of Catholic University Students
"In 1997, Patrick Novecosky and I were both in Rome for the first time. Over pizza and gelato, we spoke of what it would be like to meet the saintly Polish pope. Days later Patrick was blessed to meet him while I missed the opportunity because I ate too much gelato and got sick! Now in this delightful book, my longtime friend has reminded me of why John Paul II was so great and why he remains one of my greatest heroes. I highly recommend this book to everyone. John Paul II, we still love you!" -- Very...
Pope Saint John Paul II embodied these words throughout his life. Born May 18, 1920, in Wadowice, Poland, Karol Józef Wojtyla lived in times of political turmoil. As a young man during the Nazi occupation of Poland, he studied in an underground seminary. As pope, he was instrumental in the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe. Through it all, he maintained an unwavering hope in the ultimate triumph of love, truth, and beauty. He remains a hero to millions of people for his unflinching defense of the Church and her teachings.
John Paul II changed the world in many ways; this book describes 100 of the most important. Each of the 100 accomplishments, teachings, or stories about John Paul II is fascinating, providing a glimpse into the astounding life and impact of this great and beloved saint.
"No one can deny that Pope Saint John Paul II had a staggering impact on the world. Among other things, he was a political visionary, a cultural influencer, an artist, a formidable thinker and theologian, and above all, a courageous shepherd of the people of God. Patrick Novecosky has done the Church and the world an invaluable service by highlighting 100 of the most important ways in which this beloved saint transformed the world by urging souls to 'Be not afraid, ' and to allow themselves to fall deeply in love with Christ." -- Raymond Arroyo, EWTN News Director and New York Times bestselling author
"Pope Saint John Paul II was a leader in every sense -- spiritual, moral, intellectual, and political. With vision, charisma, and most of all love, he exerted a profound and lasting influence on the Church and the world, and that influence continues today -- 100 years after his birth. Of course, he changed the world in millions of ways that no book will ever be able to capture. But in 100 Ways John Paul II Changed the World, Patrick Novecosky offers a sweeping picture of the astonishing impact of this great man. Read this book and share it with everyone you know." -- Senator Rick Santorum
"I cannot think of anyone who has had a bigger impact on the world in recent years than Saint John Paul II. Patrick has masterfully described 100 ways in which this saint has brought about global change. This list is important as it reminds us of the changes that must be upheld and provides inspiration to those who want to bring about 100 more changes!" -- Jeff Cavins, founder of The Great Adventure Bible Study
"To many, Saint John Paul II was the only pope they knew while growing up. However, many younger Catholics have yet to discover the greatness of his life and legacy. In his book 100 Ways John Paul II Changed the World, Patrick Novecosky offers a wealth of stories and examples that will rekindle devotion in all for this tremendous saint!" -- Jason Evert, author of Saint John Paul the Great and Theology of the Body in One Hour
"Patrick entered the winner's circle when he wrote this book, unpacking the historical papacy of Saint John Paul into 100 topics that reveal the breadth, depth, and beauty of his long pontificate. Thorough, well-researched and documented, yet easily readable, 100 Ways unveils the brightness of John Paul's soul, the brilliance of his mind, and the boldness of his travels and initiatives such as World Youth Days. Behind every gesture, every prayer, every innovation, every apostolic trip, every bold move was John Paul's simple, childlike, trusting faith in both God and mankind. Patrick's personal stories and memories of Saint John Paul enhance this riveting journey through a unique papacy, and leave you awed, inspired and thankful for this saintly pontiff." -- Joan Lewis, EWTN's Rome Bureau Chief
"A fascinating and enjoyable commentary, rich with insights into the many facets and feats of the inimitable Pope John Paul II." -- Patrick Madrid, host of the Patrick Madrid Show on Relevant Radio
"Novecosky has done a superb job pulling together many of the threads in Saint John Paul II's life. At the heart of this story, you will see the fruit of a life lived from a place of encounter with Jesus Christ. There is something in 100 Ways for everyone -- I highly recommend it!" -- Curtis Martin, founder, Fellowship of Catholic University Students
"In 1997, Patrick Novecosky and I were both in Rome for the first time. Over pizza and gelato, we spoke of what it would be like to meet the saintly Polish pope. Days later Patrick was blessed to meet him while I missed the opportunity because I ate too much gelato and got sick! Now in this delightful book, my longtime friend has reminded me of why John Paul II was so great and why he remains one of my greatest heroes. I highly recommend this book to everyone. John Paul II, we still love you!" -- Very...
- GenresCatholic
192 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 31, 2021
"Prayer is the rocket fuel for sanctity" (Novecosky 19).
There is not a page in this book that is not worth reading, as every section delves into a specific aspect of John Paul II's life. The topics range from his travels around the globe, his work with Reagan, the power of prayer, and even dive into his young life as a poet and theater-lover. Novecosky does an excellent job of arranging the points, and the format of the book provides an easy read. The last ten points are arranged in order of importance, in the author's opinion, and it is definitely a read that will have you intrigued. To wrap it up, I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a casual yet important overview of how one of the greatest evangelizers of our time changed the world.
There is not a page in this book that is not worth reading, as every section delves into a specific aspect of John Paul II's life. The topics range from his travels around the globe, his work with Reagan, the power of prayer, and even dive into his young life as a poet and theater-lover. Novecosky does an excellent job of arranging the points, and the format of the book provides an easy read. The last ten points are arranged in order of importance, in the author's opinion, and it is definitely a read that will have you intrigued. To wrap it up, I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a casual yet important overview of how one of the greatest evangelizers of our time changed the world.
March 21, 2021
What an amazing Pope. While at times I think he was too trusting and naïve -- he did so much GOOD in the world. "There is no place for selfishness and no place for fear! Do not be afraid, then, when love makes demands. Do not be afraid when love requires sacrifice." Good book to pick up and read a page or two from time to time and reflect.
February 24, 2021
Understanding this great Pope.
This is an interesting, informative book on the role St. John Paul II as pope. I recommend it to all readers. They will gain a real understanding of this great Pope and Saint.
This is an interesting, informative book on the role St. John Paul II as pope. I recommend it to all readers. They will gain a real understanding of this great Pope and Saint.
May 2, 2021
I learned many interesting things about the Holy Father and this great saint. I especially found it interesting that he had a friendship with Ronald Reagan and I am interested in reading more about that.
February 12, 2026
Well my admiration for this Pope is large I don’t think the author wrote this in a style for the regular laity. I felt like I was pouring through an overly annotated study text. 100 lessons on differing accomplishments never felt personal or inspiring. The choice for a church book club was poor.
February 14, 2026
This was interesting and I did glean some new insights into Pope Saint John Paul II’s life and his devotion to the Church, but it was pretty dry reading most of the time. It’s a very quick read and was one assigned for a book club I recently joined after retiring. I’m not sure the book or the club were quite what I was expecting (although I can’t articulate what those expectations were), but I’m willing to keep trying for now. The next book on the list is about the new Pope Leo XIV. 🤞🏻
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews