Pope John Paul II’s goes back to his ‘Father’s home’
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Knowing that the time to go to eternity was approaching for him, in agreement with the doctors he had decided not to go to the hospital but to stay in the Vatican, where he had ensured the necessary medical treatment. He wanted to suffer and die in his home, staying at the tomb of the apostle Peter.
On the last day of his life – Saturday 2 April – he took his leave of his closest collaborators of the Roman Curia. At his bedside the prayer continued, in which he participated, despite the high fever and extreme weakness. In the afternoon, at a certain moment he said, “Let me go to the Father’s house.” At about 5 pm the first Vespers of the second Sunday of Easter were recited, that is, of the Sunday of Divine Mercy. The readings spoke of the empty tomb and of the Resurrection of Christ, the word returned: “Hallelujah”. At the end the hymn Magnificat and the Salve Regina were recited. The Holy Father several times embraced the eyes of his closest environment and the doctors who watched over him. From St. Peter’s square, where thousands of faithful had gathered, especially young people, the shouts came: “John Paul II” and “Long live the Pope!”. He heard those words. On the wall opposite the bed of the Holy Father hung the picture of the suffering Christ, tied with ropes: the Ecce Homo, which he stared at continuously during his illness. The Pope’s eyes that were dying also rested on the image of the Madonna of Czestochowa. On a small table, the photo of his parents.
At around 20.00, next to the bed of the dying Pope, Monsignor Stanislaw Dziwisz presided over the celebration of the Holy Mass of the Sunday of Divine Mercy. Concelebrated: Cardinal Marian Jaworski, Monsignor Stanislaw Rylko, Monsignor Mieczyslaw Mokrzycki and Father Tadeusz Styczen. Dr. Renato Buzzonetti, his collaborators and the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of the Pontifical House participated in the Eucharist.
The words of the Gospel of Saint John resounded in a moving way: «Jesus came, stopped among them and said:” Peace be with you! “», As well as the words of the universal prayer: «Lord Jesus, come to make us hear that Your promise made in the Upper Room: “Peace be with you!”. At this moment we need your presence so much ».
Before the offertory, Cardinal Marian Jaworski once again administered the Anointing of the Sick to the Holy Father, and during Communion, Monsignor Dziwisz gave him the Holy Blood as Viaticum, comfort on the path to eternal life. After some time the forces began to abandon the Holy Father. A blessed burning candle had been placed in his hand. At 21.37 John Paul II left this land. Those present sang the Te Deum. With tears in their eyes they gave thanks to God for the gift of the person of the Holy Father and for his great pontificate.
