046: St. John Paul II Through the Eyes of a Swiss Guard

by Matthew Leonard
by Matthew Leonard

catholic_FINAL_150Pope St. John Paul II is one of the most beloved popes of all time. He touched the lives of millions.

But his impact is far from over.

JPII was a world-class philosopher. He taught us truths about ourselves, and humanity in general, in a way that made sense. He understood our deepest longings and turmoil. He could explain the inner workings of our heart in relation to God. JohannesPaul2-portrait

In a nutshell, he taught us how to be fully human through Jesus Christ.

But while most of us learned this from his speeches, encyclicals, and books, Andreas Widmer, former Swiss Guard and now Director of Entrepreneurship Programs at Catholic University of Americas’ Busch School of Business & Economics, received his instruction in person.

This giant of a man swore to protect and serve the Holy Father with his life.

And in return, he learned what it means to truly live. In fact, he wrote a book about it called The Pope & the CEO: John Paul II’s Leadership Lessons to a Young Swiss Guard.

In this special episode of the Art of Catholic, we’re going to:

  • Hear beautiful stories about what JPII was really like in person
  • Learn about the history and duties of the Swiss Guard
  • Discover the relationship between JPII’s famous Theology of the Body and the world of economics
  • Discuss how JPII’s view of poverty and the human person is necessary to understand the heart of Pope Francis
  • Hear this modern saint’s “simple” rule of life he practiced every day

You don’t get too many opportunities to hear personal witness about a saint. Andreas Widmer gives us that and much more!

Matthew

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Lourdes BasilicaWant to tour Catholic Europe’s most beautiful holy sites? Join Matthew on a  St. Paul Center pilgrimage to Fatima, Spain, Lourdes, and other amazing holy sites this October 23rd to November 1st. Click here for details.

5 Responses

  1. I’d like to suggest that we stop referring to Pope John Paul II as ‘Jay Pee Two’ (JP2). I find this a little too casual and a little too disrespectful.

    1. Thanks for the comment, Susan. I certainly intend no disrespect to the Holy Father. He’s a hero of mine. My apologies if I sounded too casual.

  2. I am extremely touched too know what a wonderful Father Pope John Paul is. A powerful witness this swiss guard is too the rest of us. Going through RCIA program with our local priest, I made mention how long it had been since I had a vision and wouldn’t you know it, it was right after this I had one and it was concerning this Holy Father. Indeed his life has just begun.

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