As St. John Paul II Catholic High School (JPII) wraps up its 25th anniversary year, a school-wide Mass and veneration of a first-class relic of St. John Paul II will take place Tuesday, May 3. Mother Adela Galindo, foundress of the Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary, will accompany the relic to JPII as she travels throughout the Diocese of Birmingham.

To prepare for the veneration of the first-class relic, the JPII Theology classes will provide instruction on relics, the purpose and significance of relics, and the impact of St. John Paul II’s papacy. The Foreign Language Department will explore the eight languages spoken by St. John Paul II and his focus on uniting the world. In addition, several other departments will incorporate St. John Paul II’s papacy, actions, and legacy into the curriculum. Having a relic of St. John Paul II at the school as it concludes its celebration of 25 years of Catholic education could not be more fitting. St. John Paul II’s 25-year papacy influenced many individuals, and his guidance and wisdom are deeply rooted in the school’s culture. As patron, he is a beacon to the student body, faculty, staff, and larger JPII community.

Father Kevin Bazzel, J.C.L., will con-celebrate the school-wide Mass in the gymnasium. Immediately following Mass, Sister Adela will speak to the student body about the relic, St. John Paul II, and the history of relics in the Catholic Church. JPII students will then be provided an opportunity to pray quietly and participate in veneration.

Relics of St. John Paul II have been on various pilgrimages throughout the United States in recent years. In 2015, the relic of the blood of St. John Paul II was in pilgrimage through different countries of the continent of America, going through the United States down through Central and South America. In 2018, a relic was at Franciscan University at Christ the King Chapel. The Archdiocese of Miami held Mass and veneration of the relics of St. John Paul II to mark the 100th anniversary of his birth in 2020. There is also a permanent exhibit called, “A Gift of Love: The Life of St. John Paul II” at the St. John Paul II National Shrine. The exhibit takes visitors through the life and 25-year papacy of St. John Paul II. When writing about the relics in Miami, Marlene Quaroni of the Florida Catholic noted the words of Knights of Columbus Supreme Knight Carl Anderson, “Pope St. John Paul II spent more time in the United States than any other pope before or since, shaping an entire generation of Catholics here and throughout the world.”

The JPII 25th anniversary celebration started with a community-wide festival the weekend of St. John Paul II’s Feast Day. The school is thrilled to be able to provide such a meaningful ending to its 25th anniversary and looks forward to celebrating the next 25 years!