Vatican City, May 1, 2012 / 13:30 pm
Blessed Pope John Paul II has been remembered one year after his beatification with a candlelight prayer vigil at the site where he hosted World Youth Day 2000 in Rome.
“What was the secret of John Paul II? I think I can say, the unity between faith and life. He lived for God and for man to bring to God, because he was happy,” said Cardinal Agostino Vallini, Vicar General of the Diocese of Rome at the vigil April 30.
Cardinal Vallini was addressing thousands of young people from the Diocese of Rome and beyond at Tor Vergata on the eastern outskirts of Rome. It was here that Pope John Paul II had told millions of young pilgrims to World Youth Day 2000 that “in saying ‘yes’ to Christ, you say ‘yes’ to all your noblest ideals.”
Last night the World Youth Day cross returned to Tor Vergata along with many of those who were in attendance 12 years. This time, however, they arrived with their husbands, wives and children to thank Blessed John Paul for his inspirational witness.