St. John Paul II | Pray for Us
Khaki / S
$30.00
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St. John Paul II | Pray for Us
$30.00
Heavyweight 100% cotton shirt with a relaxed drop-shoulder fit, vintage garment wash, tonal chest embroidery, and a woven SIGNUMX interior neck label.
Pope St. John Paul II (Karol Wojtyła, 1920 to 2005), pope from 1978 to 2005, is honored on October 22, the anniversary of his inaugural Mass, and was canonized by Pope Francis in 2014.
Quick Facts
| Feast Day | October 22 |
| Life & Canonization | Born May 18, 1920; pope 1978 to 2005; died April 2, 2005; canonized 2014 with St. John XXIII |
| Patronage | World Youth Day, families, young people, and Poland |
| Symbols | Papal white cassock, a crozier crucifix, the motto Totus Tuus |
The Life of St. John Paul II
Karol Wojtyla grew up in Wadowice, Poland, playing soccer as a goalkeeper and acting in plays with friends. Through the hardships of war he worked in a quarry, studied in secret for the priesthood and never lost his love of the outdoors. As a young priest he took students hiking, skiing and kayaking, and taught them about love and marriage around the campfire.
Elected Pope in 1978, he opened with the words "Be not afraid!" and spent nearly 27 years traveling to more than 120 countries. He started World Youth Day, visited and forgave the man who shot him, and drew millions of young people to Christ. Late in life he admitted he still missed the cream cakes of his hometown bakery.
“Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors for Christ.”
St. John Paul II, Homily for the Inauguration of his Pontificate (October 22, 1978)
Shirt Details
- Fabric: Heavyweight 100% cotton
- Fit: Relaxed drop-shoulder
- Details: Chest embroidery, woven SIGNUMX neck label
- Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Frequently Asked Questions
What did he mean by "Be not afraid"?
At his first Mass as Pope he urged the world to open the doors to Christ without fear. It remains one of his best-loved lines.
Was he really an athlete?
Yes. He played goalkeeper as a boy, and later loved hiking, skiing and kayaking, even as a bishop and Pope.
How did he show forgiveness?
After he was shot in 1981, he visited his attacker in prison and forgave him in person.
What is World Youth Day?
A gathering of young Catholics from around the world that he began in the 1980s. Some have drawn millions of people.
What is the Theology of the Body?
His teaching on the beauty of human love, marriage and the body as a gift from God.
When is his feast?
October 22, the day his papacy began in 1978.
What is he the patron of?
Young people, families and World Youth Day.