Archbishop's web site Denver Catholic Register Parishes Catholic Pastoral Center
April 11, 2001
Pope's official biographer at benefit
George Weigel to appear at Seeds of Hope event
By Mary Borda
Many who travel to Rome for the first time hope for "just a glimpse" of Pope John Paul II at the window of his apartment above St. Peter's Square as he delivers his weekly Sunday blessing. The Holy Father has stirred hearts throughout the world as a result of his teachings on the freedom and dignity of all human beings.
Theologian George Weigel, one of this country's leading commentators on religion and public life, was afforded rare and unprecedented access to the Holy Father beginning in 1996 and extending for a two-year period for the purpose of writing the pope's official biography. Released October 1999, the book "Witness to Hope: A Biography of John Paul II" is unlike any other papal memoir. New York Cardinal John O'Connor described the book as the "extraordinary biography of an extraordinary man."
Weigel will be the keynote speaker at the Seeds of Hope Charitable Trust Spring Luncheon scheduled 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. May 3 at the Adam's Mark Hotel, 1550 Court Place, Denver. Event proceeds will benefit tuition assistance programs that enable needy inner-city youth to attend archdiocesan Catholic elementary schools.
Weigel will share a side of John Paul II rarely seen by the public. Many know that John Paul II is no stranger to hardship, much of it endured during World War II and the Nazi occupation of Poland. Less well known are facts about the personal relationships that have sustained the Holy Father throughout the years. Weigel's book tells about the great sorrow the Holy Father felt when after becoming Bishop of Rome he had to miss out on yearly trips he had enjoyed with a group of married couples since his days as a young priest. It is this side of the Holy Father that intrigues Weigel's audiences.
Father Greg Ames, pastor of St. Peter's Parish in Greeley, also will make a presentation. Proud of his parish's attendance at every World Youth Day since 1993, Father Ames will share highlights of the various pilgrimages and will address the impact John Paul II has had on them. Music will be provided by St. Peter's choir, directed by Mary Sue Krier.
Tickets for the luncheon are $60. Registration deadline April 25. Call Seeds of Hope at 303-715-3112, or mail a check to Seeds of Hope, 1300 S. Steele St., Denver, CO 80210. Corporate tables are also available.
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