John Kunz

21 years ago today, our beloved Pope St. John Paul II entered into eternal life. On March 30, 2005, he made his final public appearance at the window of St. Peter’s, uniting his suffering to Christ as he prepared to go to the Father.

Of the Twelve Apostles, St. John alone died peacefully of old age (around AD 100). The others gave their lives in martyrdom🇻🇦🩸 Yet his path was not easy, he endured exile on Patmos, persecution, and even survived attempts on his life (tradition speaks of boiling oil, from which he emerged unharmed). So why was his mission different? Catholic tradition points to one powerful moment: the foot of the Cross. While the others fled in fear, John remained. He stood faithfully beside Jesus Christ, together with Mary, sharing in the suffering of Calvary with unwavering love (John 19:25–27). And there, in His final moments, Jesus gave John an extraordinary gift: "Woman, behold your son… Behold your mother." From that hour, John took Mary into his home, caring for her with filial love until her Assumption. Many Church Fathers and sacred tradition see in this a profound mystery: because of his fidelity at Calvary and his love for Our Lady, John was entrusted with a longer earthly mission, to guide the early Church, to write his Gospel, Epistles, and Revelation, and to bear witness through a lifetime of faithful endurance. His was not a martyrdom of blood, but a “white martyrdom”, a life poured out in love, perseverance, and truth. St. John reminds us: Remain close to the Cross. Stay near to Mary. And God will give the grace you need to endure. St. John the Beloved, pray for us! 🙏❤️