Two popes, Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II will be canonized today, April 27 at St. Peter's Square, Vatican City by Pope Francis. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI is also expected to attend the ceremonies.
Pope John XXIII was born Angelo Giuseooe Roncalli in Bergamo, Italy on November 25, 1881. (Read his biography here) He was elected pope on October 28, 1958 following the death of Pope Pius XII. He served as Pope until his death on June 3, 1963. His greatest achievement was that he summoned the Second Vatican Council. He was beatified on September 3, 2000.
Pope John Paul II, was born Karol Wojtyla in Wadowice, Poland on May 18, 1920. (Biography here). He was elected pope on October 16, 1978 following the death of John Paul I who served for only a month. He served as poe until his death on April 2, 2005 and was succeeded by Pope Benedict XVI. He was beatified on May 1, 2011.
Pope John XXIII was pope at the time of Mother Ursula Jung (Superior General 1940-1960) and Mother Thomas Aquinas Lee (1960-1973). Pope John Paul II was Pope at the time of several RGS Superiors General/Congregational Leaders Bernadette Fox, Gema Cadena, Liliane Tauvette and Brigid Lawlor.
| Sr. Teresita Arceo recalled in 2011 meeting with JP II Click Here. Sr. Teresita passed away on December 27, 2012.  |
Sr. Marieta Velez, Sr. Patricia Perez and Sr. Angela Battung met the Holy Father during the meeting for Vocation Promoters in the congregation called by Sr. Gema Cadena. |
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| Sr. Regina Kuizon met the Holy Father in 1988 and 2003. Click Here |
Sr. Rita Danganan while studying at Regina Mundi in Rome wrote to the Holy Father about possiblility of meeting him during an audience. She dropped her letter at the Vatican mail box and several days letter, a secretary phoned the Generalate telling them that Sr Rita and companions may join the Holy Father in the Mass at his private chapel. | |
| Sr. Rosemary Bacaltos, Sr. Maryanne Yago are among those who met John Paul II in an audience. |