Santo Subito!

There’s something in the psyche of Western culture that has developed in the past 40 years. It is a need to be a part of important events. I believe it started with the protests of the Viet Nam War back in the 60s. Since then it seems this desperate desire to matter in the grand scheme has become prevelent in society. Some examples, the articles left at the Wall in D.C.; the flowering of particular sites following the deaths of the rich, famous, or young; protest marches in favor of and opposition to the war in Iraq, the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, etc., etc., etc. People seem to have a tremendous need to be counted, make a contribution, or merely a statement regarding larger than life issues.

So it appears to be regarding the death and sanctification of Pope John Paul II. Signs appeared during the funeral service demanding sainthood for the deceased pontiff. Cries of “John Paul, the Great” arose from the crowd in a variety of languages. People, ordinary people, expressing a personal desire for general acceptance of their idea. It makes me twitchy.

Was John Paul II a saint? Definitely so. All we who are believers are saints, with a small “s”. Was he a Saint? Well, frankly, I don’t know. The process of beatification and canonization is usually a long one. The last pope to be singled out for the honor was John XXIII (that’s 23, for you folks in Frayser). It’s a process that has not been completed in his case. Now there is a swelling public sentiment that JP II deserves immediate recognition as a Saint, big “S”. It appears that the trend to express an idea publicly, to react emotionally to JP II’s death and make a difference to the world has found resonance, especially in the world’s news organizations.

Personally, I don’t really care if JP II is canonized a Saint next Tuesday. Not being one to cling to the belief that praying to Saints matters (my petitions go to the Father through the Son, period), I consider it a nice honor for a really good guy, and not much else. JP II did give us a marvelous example of humility and endurance. His pontificate was marked by certain problems in other areas, though. But, hey! Whose isn’t?

Should the Roman Catholic Church declare JP II a Saint immediately (Santo Subito)? Sure. Why not? It’s no skin off my nose. But, it does provide one more interesting occurrence of the little people making a large statement based on the emotionalism of the moment. It is a dangerous precedent.