As I flew to Wichita for their youth convention, I knew that Pope John Paul’s time was short. All the news reports were saying it was a matter of time.

I was actually doing a workshop on peer pressure for a few hundred teens when I got the word about his death. All workshops were cut short so we could pray together within an hour after his death. It was amazing to see 700 teens gathered in prayer for this purpose.

When I wasn’t involved with the convention, I absorbed as much TV as I could, and learned so much more about the Pope than I had previously known.

There are certain moments in history when people will ask “Do you remember where you were when…?” (September 11, 2001 is a moment like that.) I smile when I think that, at the moment of Pope John Paul’s death, I was among young people, talking about peer pressure . He was energized by young people (I can see why!) and I hope (in all humility) that I was sharing a message he would have approved.

John Paul’s legacy is rich. Many print articles, web sites, media specials are chronicling his contributions. I sense it is just beginning. His examples of prayer, preaching, teaching , touching people were a true witness to real discipleship, a LIVING faith.

I went to Denver (1993) and Toronto (2002) celebrations of World Youth Day. I don’t have a “I got to see/touch the Pope!” story [sorry!]. I did feel the enthusiasm, the hope, the energy shared among teens and young adults WITH John Paul. Those memories are among the highlights and “purest” moments of youth ministry in my 20 years of working with teens.

On TV, I saw a Jewish orchestra conductor who “worked” for the pope who said that working for the Pope made him want to be a a better Jew. I do know, in watching him, in learning more about him, in reflectingon his life and death, John Paul II has helped me –I know I want to love Jesus more.

Thank you, John Paul, for seeing and touching me. Rest in peace.