Our Class Saint: St John Paul II 

Feast Day: 22nd October 

St John Paul II was born in Wadowice, Poland on May 18, 1920. His mother died when he was nine, and his only brother died four years later. These sorrows brought him even closer to his father, whose deep faith inspired him.

When John Paul II decided to become a priest, he had to study in secret because his country was under the rule of Germany’s Nazi government.

In November 1946, he finished his studying and was ordained. Afterwards, he went to Rome to study further.

At the age of 38, he was the youngest man to be appointed Bishop in Poland's history. 

 He was the first non-Italian Pope in 455 years. He served in the role from 1978 to 2005.

As pope, he established World Youth Day as a way to strengthen the faith of young people. He travelled to cities hosting these celebrations and spoke to young people about the love and joy of following Jesus. Next year's World Youth Day is being held in Lisbon. Pope Francis' message this year is:  'Let us carry Jesus within our hearts, and bring him to all those who we meet!'

Saint John Paul II inspired people throughout the world with his deep faith, and his passion for social justice. He helped to bring the Church into the modern world. He reached out to those in deepest need. He reminds us of what it means to love Christ through a deep commitment to our faith and to taking care of those who are poor or oppressed.