On Wednesday, April 2nd, 2008, we mark the third anniversary of the death of Pope John Paul II. I've been reflecting a lot recently on John Paul II, as I've been working on a Catholic Focus examining his legacy. I think Salt + Light CEO Fr. Thomas Rosica put it best during an interview when he stated we'll be unpacking John Paul II's legacy for years to come. From his written body of work, to his inter-religious dialogue, to his role in the fall of communism, to his World Youth Days, to his many pastoral voyages, John Paul II left a lot to digest! He impacted not just Catholics, but the world. And as I found, many people still cherish this outstanding son of Poland.Born on the wings of World Youth Day 2002, we're quite fond of John Paul II here at Salt + Light! On Tuesday evening, April 1st, Pedro remembers John Paul II in song on Catholic Focus, then on Wednesday's Catholic Focus, some producers recall how JPII touched their lives. Both those shows, which you may have seen in the past, will also be re-broadcast this weekend. 7pm and 11pm ET are the regular times for Catholic Focus.We will also broadcast a special Vatican event from St. Peter's Square on Wednesday, April 2nd. At 4am ET we offer the live presentation of His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI celebration of Holy Mass commemorating the third anniversary of the death of John Paul II. An encore presentation of the Mass will be broadcast at 8:30pm ET on Wednesday evening, right after Mothering, Full of Grace (which this week, appropriately, looks at Heroes!). English and French translation will be available on both broadcasts.Also on Wednesday, Salt + Light will present live in Italian at 3pm ET the recitation of the Rosary for John Paul II, from the Vatican Grottoes. There will be an encore presentation of this event, in Italian, on Thursday at 3:30pm ET.Perhaps you may want to say the following prayer over the next few days. Fr. Rosica shared it with staff and I thought I would pass it onto you:

PRAYER FOR ASKING GRACES THROUGH THE INTERCESSION

OF THE SERVANT OF GOD POPE JOHN PAUL II

O Blessed Trinity,

We thank You for having graced the Church

with Pope John Paul II

and for allowing the tenderness of your Fatherly care,

the glory of the cross of Christ,

and the splendor of the Holy Spirit,

to shine through him.

Trusting fully in Your infinite mercy

and in the maternal intercession of Mary,

he has given us a living image of Jesus the Good Shepherd,

and has shown us that holiness

is the necessary measure of ordinary Christian life

and is the way of achieving eternal communion with you.

Grant us, by his intercession, and according to Your will,

the graces we implore,

hoping that he will soon be numbered

among your saints.

Amen.