What are we going to call him?

Have you ever wondered what Carmelites talk about? When we talk, that is. Most of our day we keep silence, but when it’s time for recreation, you can be sure we take advantage of the chance to exchange a few words. Hmm, maybe more than a few.

Well, the other day at lunch we had a rather unique conversation. I don’t remember who posed the question, but it set off a series of reflections: “What do you think we are going to call John Paul II when he is beatified?” We experimented with different options: Pope Blessed John Paul, Blessed Pope John Paul, Blessed John Paul.

Anything But Ordinary: Blessed John Paul II

It is supposed to be the first week of Ordinary Time. We are supposed to have a few weeks of quiet time after all our Christmas solemnity. We were expecting the days to take on a bit of a routine, not negative, just a healthy series of the familiar.

But not today!

This morning at Mass, our beloved chaplain, Fr. Anthony just could not contain himself for joy but exuberantly shared with us the great news: Pope Benedict XVI announced the beatification of the Servant of God, John Paul II will take place on May 1, 2011. Can it get any better?