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Pope John Paul II: His Essential Wisdom
Pope John Paul II has been called the most influential moral leader of the last 100 years, and for good reason. ... He has inspired, enlightened, and challenged millions of people all over the world with his words and his wisdom. "His Essential Wisdom" gathers together hundreds of resonant quotations from Pope John Paul II. Enrich your life by reading his wisdom.
122 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 22, 2019
Very inspiring book. A must read for all Catholics.
January 28, 2025
What I got from this is that I want to read his biography. This was simply a collection of quotes, which while great, lacked the context and continuity to make them truly meaningful for me. Here were a few of my favs:
“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.”
“Hope is not empty optimism springing from a naive confidence that the future will necessarily be better than the past. Hope and trust are the premise of responsible activity and are nurtured in that inner sanctuary of conscience where ‘man is alone with God’ and thus perceives that he is not alone amid the enigmas of existence, for he is surrounded by the love of the Creator.”
“To accept and give forgiveness makes possible a new quality of rapport between men, interrupting the spiral of hatred and revenge and breaks the chains of evil which bind the heart of rivals. For nations in search of reconciliation and for those hoping for peaceful coexistence among individuals and peoples, there is no other way than forgiveness received and offered.”
“May academics and scientists always be aware of the lofty mission that Providence entrusts to them! Dear brothers and sisters, you too cooperate in this wonderful mission. In investigating the secrets of the cosmos and of the human being, you are drawing ever closer to the unfathomable mystery of God.”
“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.”
“Hope is not empty optimism springing from a naive confidence that the future will necessarily be better than the past. Hope and trust are the premise of responsible activity and are nurtured in that inner sanctuary of conscience where ‘man is alone with God’ and thus perceives that he is not alone amid the enigmas of existence, for he is surrounded by the love of the Creator.”
“To accept and give forgiveness makes possible a new quality of rapport between men, interrupting the spiral of hatred and revenge and breaks the chains of evil which bind the heart of rivals. For nations in search of reconciliation and for those hoping for peaceful coexistence among individuals and peoples, there is no other way than forgiveness received and offered.”
“May academics and scientists always be aware of the lofty mission that Providence entrusts to them! Dear brothers and sisters, you too cooperate in this wonderful mission. In investigating the secrets of the cosmos and of the human being, you are drawing ever closer to the unfathomable mystery of God.”
March 31, 2024
Inspiring read, I would love to read the speech's and sermons that contained the verses spoken by the only Polish Pope.
August 25, 2025
Great inspirational book.
October 2, 2012
Wise and inspirational excerpts from speeches and writings of this great man of God. Lots to ponder here.
March 23, 2017
Jan Pawel II as the pontiff was always a true inspiration to me- not only to me now but also when I was growing up. This book was a reminder of why he is so deserving of admiration and praise, not only from Catholics, but from all who wish to live in harmony and peace together upon this Earth. His messages resonate with the true spirit of Christ. Jan Pawel II understood the Gospel on a profound, unique level. His wise words are simple, timeless and easy to understand. This book serves as a good point of reference from which to discover his other works, speeches and papers should one desire further reading. I admit some bias in my review since I am partial about him being Polish. :) It is said epistolary evidence is kept at the Vatican today of his lifelong correspondence with Wisława Szymborska, my favorite poet, who was also Polish from the same era.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews