O great Pontiff           who stood as a bulwark           against the culture of death           threatening to overtake mankind,           who served to bring down the Enemy           with the sacrifice of your life and your many works:           under the Mantle of Our Mother,           you gathered the youth of the world as one           to hear your ringing exhortation;           you enlightened minds           assailed by doubt and despair;           you taught men and women the language of love           the Lord wrought into our very bodies…           for you knew the power of the Cross           and carried it till the end,           finding light in the dark night of suffering.           The gates of Hell could not stand           against your invocation of the Spirit –           pray we too shall open wide           the doors for Christ           and fear no evil as we entrust ourselves           entirely to our Redeemer           and His Divine Mercy.