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Ave Maria Study Club hears program on Pope John Paul I

The March 10 meeting was held in the Madonna Room at St. Henry Church with 13 members present. Co-President RoseAnn Jero opened by giving the group an Irish Blessing. The group then prayed the Rosary led by Co-President Sandy Good. Lunch was served by Co-Hostesses Kathy Slater and Dianne Maile.

The program “Popes of the Past” was given by Betty Pieper, featuring Pope John Paul I, known as the Smiling Pope. He was born in 1912 to a very poor but hardworking family in northern Italy. He was an excellent student but full of mischief. Having a deep faith, he felt the desire to be a priest at an early age, and was ordained at age 22. He always lived in great simplicity, and when appointed a Cardinal in 1973, he kept his simple lifestyle and did much for the poor.

In 1978, he was elected Pope but remained humble and chose not to wear the triple tiara worn by previous popes. Pomp and ceremony seemed unnecessary to him. After his unexpected death, he continued to fascinate people around the world for his simplicity, his serenity, his joy and unique spirituality.

Following the program on Pope John Paul I, Jean Miller spoke about Pope John XXIII. He was instrumental in modernizing the Church, and called for a Council, Vatican II, in 1959 as a means of spiritual renewal for the church. He welcomed dialogue and collaboration with leaders of other Christian churches and other faiths. When he died in 1963, he was recognized as one of the best loved men in the world.

The next meeting will be held 1 p.m. on April 14 in the Madonna Room at St. Henry with Thonia Chua and Carol Paxon serving as hostesses. The April program will feature Fr. Dennis Miller as the speaker.

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