Blessed John Paul I: Life and spiritual radiance
John Paul I was the 263rd Pope. His pontificate was very short, lasting just 33 days. However, his smile is a characteristic feature of his person, and he is nicknamed the Pope with a smile. In these few lines, we'll take a look at his biography, some of his sayings and the prayer we can recite to ask him for a particular grace. Pope Francis beatified him on September 4, 2022 at the Vatican.
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Albino Luciani biography
Childhood
John Paul I was born on October 17, 1912 in Canale d'Agordo in northeastern Italy. His parents christened him Albino. The newborn came from a poor family, his father having planned to emigrate to Argentina shortly after his son's birth. Little Albino's health was very fragile. At the age of 6, he contracted severe pneumonia. The First World War was still raging. Unexpectedly and providentially, a military doctor knocked on the door and gave little Albino's mother the medicine she needed. Surrounded by lots of love and prayers, and well cared for, he recovered.
Ever since his first communion, Albino had been drawn to Jesus. In 1923, he entered the minor seminary. He studied and read a great deal of literature, not only Italian but also European. He was a serious, diligent student with good results. As the years went by, his vocation became clearer and clearer. In 1928, he entered the seminary to begin his priestly training. Here, in Belluno-Feltre, he remained for 30 years.
Studies
The future pope studied religion, philosophy, theology and art history with great assiduity and concentration. He returned to his family at Christmas, Easter and during the summer vacations. During his vacations, he kept in touch with his village priest and lent him a hand. On July 7, 1935, Monsignor Cattarossi laid hands on him in the church of Belluno. Albino was particularly moved that day. He celebrated his first Mass in his village of Canale d'Agordo.
His fragile lungs continue to cause him problems, forcing him to spend time in a sanatorium. On his return, he was appointed professor at the seminary. From then on, Don Albino's only aim was to obey God's plan for him.
At the service of the Church
Always dedicated, Albino watched over and taught at the Belluno seminary. The outbreak of the Second World War forced him to overcome difficulties. In 1949, a new bishop was appointed. Albino immediately hit it off with Monsignor Muccin. The esteem in which he was held by his bishop led him to become a bishop in his own right. He was appointed to Vittorio-Veneto, still in north-east Italy. Pope John XXIII was keen to consecrate him as a bishop himself. He chose "Humilitas" (humility) as his episcopal motto. Albino Luciani liked to be in contact with just about everyone in his diocese: children, the sick (he visited them in hospital), priests. He also took part in the preparatory work for the Second Vatican Council. Appreciative, Paul VI appointed him Cardinal - Patriarch of Venice. He was appointed Patriarch of Venice in early 1970. His arrival was simple, as he did not wish to be noticed. He addressed his faithful with great gentleness and serenity. The future Pope was a man of faith and prayer. He never forgot his duties as a priest. He got up very early and asked for "light and strength" in his prayers. The Venetian years were marked by crises and also by the social protest of the 70s.
In 1972, Pope Paul VI came to visit him in Venice. It was a visit that remains famous today, as the Pope put his stole on Luciani's shoulders. Luciani recounts how he turned red from head to toe. Indeed, for the occasion, he had brought out the ceremonial clothes: his red cassock, a red skullcap.
Luciani also published a book in 1976. He wrote imaginary letters to well-known personalities such as Mark Twain, the poet Trilussa and Saint Theresa of Lisieux.
He left Venice for Rome in 1978, with the intention of returning soon, as he felt there was still "so much to do."
Peter's successor
In Castelgandolfo in August 1978, the saintly Pope Paul VI died. All the cardinals converged on Rome to elect the new pontiff. A stifling heat spread over the Eternal City. In preparation for the conclave, Cardinal Luciani chose silence and prayer. Deep in his heart, he knew he would probably be elected. Indeed, Sister Lucia had predicted his election as Peter's successor during her trip to Fatima in 1977.
At the end of the 3rd ballot, the Patriarch of Venice obtained 101 votes out of 111, and took the name John Paul I as a tribute to his two predecessors, whom he loved dearly. On August 27, 1978, the brief pontificate of the smiling Pope began. Luciani wanted to maintain this spirit of humility and obedience. John Paul I's pontificate was very brief. What stood out during those 33 days were his humility, his faith, and the simple way he spoke to the faithful during his audiences and angelus. He always came away happy. He leaves each of us with his catecheses on the three theological virtues: faith, hope and charity.
John Paul I entered the Father's house at the tender age of 66. He died on the night of September 28 and 29, alone, of a heart attack, and was succeeded by Karol Wojtyla of Poland, who took his name: John Paul II.
The spiritual influence of John Paul I
Holiness can also be found in everyday life. For John Paul I, this was the case. His simple existence, filled with faith and trust in God and with a smile clearly visible on his face, is an example to us all. Albino Luciani teaches us humility - his episcopal motto - to always become better, and of course charity, hope and love. The following extracts may help us to meditate on all that he leaves us.
"Each of us, and the whole Church, could recite this prayer that I usually recite: Lord, take me as I am, with my faults, with my weaknesses, but make me become as you wish." (from the audience of September 1, 1978)
"With a smile, Pope Luciani succeeded in conveying the goodness of the Lord. It's beautiful to see a Church with a joyful face, a serene, smiling face, a Church that never closes doors, that never hardens hearts, that never complains, that doesn't complain or harbor resentment, that isn't angry or intolerant, that doesn't present itself in a surly manner, that doesn't suffer from nostalgia for the past. Let us pray to our father and brother, asking him to obtain for us 'the smile of the soul', transparent, that does not deceive, the smile of the soul." (from Pope Francis' homily for the beatification of his predecessor on September 4, 2022)
"So what needs to be done to improve society? I would say that each of us should strive to be good ourselves, and to lead others with a kindness imbued with the gentleness and love taught by Christ [...]. [Love can do all things." (last Angelus of John Paul I)
Always smiling: following the example of the Blessed One
What remains of the Blessed today are these words for us to ponder. His smile is also a strong legacy that he leaves us, and has become his nickname. Mother Teresa said that smiling is contagious, and Saint François de Sales told us that "a sad saint is a sad saint." Following their example, we too must smile to spread joy around us. This is a grace we can ask of Albino Luciani. He kept his smile all his life and in all circumstances. We can also pray to him through this prayer, which can be recited to ask for a particular grace. Then perhaps we'll have the joy of venerating him as a saint.
The prayer for his canonization
"Lord Jesus, You have given us the great joy of venerating Pope John Paul I as your vicar on earth and then, in your unfathomable design, the immense sorrow of his sudden death. Grant us the grace we ask for.... because we are certain of his intercession with You, and so that we may one day venerate him on the altars. His kindness and humility give us an example of faith that is a perpetual call to transpose his teaching into our lives and spread serenity and love. Amen"
Prayer of Maffeo Ducoli, Bishop of Belluno-Feltre, August 26, 1980.
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