Remembering the life of Pope John Paul II

There are several ways to remember the life of Pope John Paul II in Carson City this week.

The direct successor of St. Peter, Pope John Paul II, was born Karol Wojtyla in Wadowice, in the diocese of Krakow, on May 18, 1920. He was ordained a priest Nov. 1, 1946, and appointed titular bishop of Ombi on July 4, 1958.

Wojtyla was promoted to archbishop of Krakow on Jan. 13, 1964, proclaimed and created cardinal on June 26, 1967, and elected pope on Oct. 16, 1978. He was installed Oct. 22, 1978, at the age of 58 and took the name Pope John Paul II.

He was the first Polish pope and also the first non-Italian pope since Pope Adrian VI in 1522.

John Paul II spoke eight languages and will be remembered for the role he played in the fall of Communism, his efforts to repair Jewish-Catholic relations, and his role in centralizing the papacy.

Moment to remember

Gov. Kenny Guinn announced Tuesday he has declared Friday as a day to honor the memory of Pope John Paul II.

"If there is one lesson to be taken from the extraordinary life of Pope John Paul II, it is his message of hope for the world and toleration of all people," Gov. Guinn said. "It is a message that all faiths and all people should hold near and dear to their hearts.

"Even in his waning days, there was no denying Pope John Paul II's eternal vigor, and his eternal strength. He truly was a man of love, hope and forgiveness. The world will forever miss his calm, his steady strength and his guidance.

"On Friday, it is my hope that all Nevadans, no matter what their religious orientation might be, will take a moment to remember one of the truly memorable figures in modern history."

For more information, go to http://www.vatican.va.

Memorial Mass

A Memorial Mass in memory of Pope John Paul II will be held at 12:15 p.m. Friday at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Community, 3000 N. Lompa Lane.

For information, call 882-1968.

Remembrances online

Walton's Family of Funeral Homes has set up a Web site for members of the community to express their condolences. The "Remembrance Registry Guestbook" is at www.waltonsfuneralhomes.com. All messages will be sent directly to the Vatican in Rome.

Memorial walls

Temporary memorial walls in honor and memory of Pope John Paul II are up at FitzHenry's Funeral Home of Carson City and Gardnerville for people to sign their names, leave messages, and bring flowers, photos, candles, memorabilia and drawings.

Through www.keymemories.com, a link is provided to a page where messages can be sent to the Vatican. For information, call FitzHenry's at 882-2644 or 782-1999. FitzHenry's Carson City is at 833 N. Edmonds Drive; in Gardnerville, it is at 1380 Highway 395. The memorial will remain in place until Monday.