The ceremony for the beatification of John Paul II, on May 1, 2011, presents a good discussion opportunity with children. Take, for example, the pontif’s view of God in our everyday life. People tend to segment their lives into two parts — the non-secular, spiritual part; and the secular part. More often than not, it’s the secular part that gets the most attention in the news, in the media and throughout our culture. John Paul II said that there cannot be two parallel lives. Every area of our lives enters into the plan of God, who desires that these areas be the places where the love of Christ is revealed and realized for both the glory of the Father and service of others.
Consider discussing these questions:
How was the love of Christ revealed to Pope John Paul II when he was a young child?
How would you find God if you had lived at the same time as John Paul II?
What aspects of John Paul II’s life would you like to emulate?