Assassination attempt on 13 May 1981, divine test - Catechesis with Pope St John Paul II -on Feast of St Francis of Assisi - Totus2us

St John Paul II, 14 October 1981: "All this should be kept in mind by those who come to Rome, to the "apostolic memories", those who return in the footsteps of St Peter and St Paul. I too am a pilgrim here. I am a foreigner, who through the will of the Church had to remain here and assume succession in the Roman See following after so many great Popes, Bishops of Rome. And I too feel deeply my human weakness - and thus with trust I repeat the words of the apostle: "virtus in infirmitate perficitur", "power is manifested in weakness" (2 Cor 12, 9 ). And thus with great gratitude to the Holy Spirit I think of this weakness, that He has allowed me to experience on the day of 13th May, believing and humbly trusting that it was able to serve for the strengthening of the Church and also for that of my human person. This is the dimension of the divine test, that is not easy for man to unveil. It is not easy to talk about it with human words. However there is need to talk about it. This great grace needs to be confessed with deepest humility before God and the Church, for it became my portion in that period, in which the whole People of God was preparing for a particular celebration of Pentecost, dedicated this year to the remembrance of the First Council of Constantinople after 1600 years - and even the Council of Ephesus - after 1550 years. In Ephesus then for the benefit of the whole Church echoed anew the truth about Christ, the only begotten Son of God, who through the work of the Holy Spirit was made true man, conceived in the womb of the Virgin Mary and born of her for the salvation of the world. Mary is thus true Mother of God (Theotokos). When then together with you, dear brothers and sisters, I ponder upon the grace received together with the threat to my life and the suffering, I turn in a particular way to Her: to the one whom we call also "Mother of divine Grace". And I ask that this grace "be not in vain in me" (cf 1 Cor 15, 10), just as with every grace that man receives: everywhere at any time. I ask that with every grace that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit pours out with abundance, this strength may be born that grows in our weakness. I ask that the testimony of Truth and Love may also grow and expand, to which the Lord has called us." (General Audience, 14 October 1981) Music: Ave Maria sung by Anna Johnstone. Visit Totus2us.com for much more - dedicated to Our Lady, Mother Mary, it is inspired by our Holy Fathers St John Paul II, Papa Benedict XVI and Pope Francis.