John Paul II Enjoyed Baling Hay in Vermont

kw7Little Known Fact #9

  • While visiting the United States in 1976, Cardinal Karol Wojtyla spent a few days in Pomfret, Vermont with philosopher Anna-Teresa Tymieniecka and her family. His main purpose was to work on the English translation of Osobo I Czyn (The Acting Person), but he also used it as a time to relax and enjoy nature.For example, he was often late for lunch because he had been swimming in the neighbor’s pond. Additionally, he didn’t want to be treated like a guest, but instead insisted that he cut the grass and help bale hay. He was truly in his element in Vermont and remarked that it reminded him of the Tatras in Poland. Wojtyla spent most of his time outdoors, working on the English translation while sitting on the trunk of a tree that had fallen.

Novena Prayer

O Holy Trinity,
we thank you for having given to the Church
Pope John Paul II,
and for having made him shine with your fatherly tenderness,
the glory of the Cross of Christ and the splendor of the Spirit of love

He, trusting completely in your infinite mercy
and in the maternal intercession of Mary, has shown himself
in the likeness of Jesus the Good Shepherd
and has pointed out to us holiness
as the path to reach eternal communion with You.

Grant us, through his intercession,
according to your will, the grace that we implore, [state your intention here]
in thanksgiving that he has been numbered among your saints.
Amen.

This is the ninth day of our Nine Days of Prayer with John Paul II.

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