REMEMBERING THE DAY HE BECAME POPE 28 YEARS AGO
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VATICAN CITY, Oct. 17, 2006 (Apcom) - Special thanks and an emotional recollection characterized the homage paid by Benedict XVI to his predecessor in a television message transmitted last night on Polish television on the occasion of Pope's Day in Poland.
Six years ago, October 16th of every year was designated as Pope's Day in Poland to commemorate the election of Karyol Wojtyla to the Papacy.
"With you," Benedict said in his message, "I wish to recall that unforgettable day of his election to the the Seat of Peter. I still hear the echo of his words - humble, wise and full of dedication, when he answered the question of whether he accepted the choice that had been made by the Cardinals: 'In obedience to the faith, before Christ my Lord, trusting in the Mother of Christ and of the church, aware of the great dificulties, I accept.'
Papa Ratzinger said that moment was impressed in his mind, as well as John Paul's first appearanee before the world as Pope.
"I see before me his strong and serene figure on the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, when for the first time he gave his blessing Urbi et Orbi, entrusting himself to the protection of Our Lady and to the love of everyone in the world of whom he ha had beocme pastor and guide. And I have never forgotten his prophetic call: 'Do not be afraid! Open your doors to Christ!'"
The German Pope then expressed thanks to God because he was able to "spend more than two decades by his side, rejoicing in his goodness and friendship, and that now, I am able to continue his work under his protective attention from the house of the Lord. "
"I thank God," he concluded, "for his life that was spent in the love of Christ and of all men, a life which has enriched all of humanity in its quest for brotherhood and pace."
AP filed this earlier about Pope's Day :
Pope John Paul II
honored on bank notes
By Ryan Lucas
October 16, 2006
WARSAW, Poland (AP) --Poland's central bank on Monday issued 2 million collectors' bank notes bearing the image of the late Pope John Paul II, marking the 28th anniversary of the late pontiff's election.
John Paul, born Karol Wojtyla in the Polish town of Wadowice, is revered in his homeland, where he helped to inspire the pro-democracy Solidarity movement in the 1980s.
The National Bank of Poland's special notes have a face value of $16, and sell for $29.
The front of the bills feature an image of John Paul II holding his crucifix-topped staff against a background of the world map.
On the back, John Paul is depicted kissing the hand of a Polish cardinal. The design includes a quote from the late pontiff: "There would not be a Polish pope at the Holy See if not for your faith, not backing down when faced with prison and suffering, your heroic hope."
Vuong Anh Toan, 39, who has lived in Poland since moving from Vietnam 10 years ago, bought three bills for his wife and son.
"I'm not a Catholic, my wife is, but I loved the pope," he said.
Andrzej Nowakowski, who also lined up at the central bank's headquarters in downtown Warsaw, snapped up six of the commemorative notes for his wife and grandsons because John Paul "was the greatest Pole."
John Paul was elected Pope Oct. 16, 1978. He died on April 2, 2005.
Last June, the national bank issued gold, silver and copper alloy commemorative coins of John Paul to coincide with the start of the beatification process for the late pontiff.
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Curt Jester on his blog www.splendoroftruth.com/
had this picture of the Papal banknote:
[Modificato da TERESA BENEDETTA 04/11/2006 13.52]