"A fine phenomenon: groups of prayer have been set up all over the world, even in the most distant and least imaginable places, for instance in the Arab countries". It was said last night by the postulator of the cause for the beatification of John Paul II, mgr. Slawomir Oder, during the presentation, in the Church of Saint Mary in Trastevere, of the book named "Una vita con Karol" (A life with Karol). The Polish priest spoke of the birth of groups of prayer in Qatar and Iraq as well as in many other countries: "evidence of a strong affection for John Paul II which fits in with the Pope’s famed holiness". Mgr. Oder did not want to make any prediction about the conclusion of the cause for his beatification: "it takes patience and optimism". Today at 10.30 am in Saint Pete’s Square, Benedict XVI will say Mass in commemoration of John Paul II, who died on 2nd April 2005. This will be followed tonight by a vigil of prayer with the young, headed by card. Camillo Ruini, on Pope Wojtyla’s grave. Celebrations, Masses in repose of his soul, vigils of prayer will take place in all the dioceses and in many parts of the world. In Cracow where Mass is officiated for the Polish Pope every first Saturday each month the auxiliary bishop, mgr. Jan Skodon, will officiate a liturgy in the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, followed by a vigil of prayer with the young in front of the Bishop’s Palace.
