Feast of St. John XXIII

I remember this pope and the opening of Vatican II. The nuns wheeled a black and white television into the classroom so we could watch the opening of the council. I also remember that Mater et Magistra was the first encyclical taught to me.

I remember this pope and saint wearing the tiara. I remember seeing photos of him saying the TLM.

He was a "peasant pope" and this fact meant so much to the millions of Europeans displaced by WWII. Here was a pope who also knew hard times.

It is appropriate that he is a canonized saint and that we celebrate his sharing of the glory of God in heaven.

Pope St. John XXIII, pray for us.