Fr. Walter Ptak | Special to The Michigan Catholic

Rome — Fr. Walter Ptak, dean of formation at SS. Cyril & Methodius Seminary in Orchard Lake, kept followers of The Michigan Catholic’s Facebook page updated from St. Peter’s Square as the canonization week unfolded. Here’s how he summed up the once-in-a-lifetime experience:

“The canonization Mass is over now and the memories have been etched in our minds and hearts and there’s only one word that comes to mind to describe this day: Awesome.

It is hard to comprehend all that has happened today and to still make sense as I write this to you.

It can be said that all who took part are on an emotional high. The display of faith, pride and outpouring of love for these two great saints is overwhelming. Over and over again, I heard people say they are proud to be Catholic, the Faith is alive and well and they just had to be here for this moment.

I’m not sure how the media will portray what took place today but those of us here witnessed a display of faith like most have never seen. Hundreds of thousands present in the square alone and yet the Mass was reverent and spirit-filled. Young and old, pilgrims of every race, nation and tongue praying and singing together in a spirit of love as the Church proclaimed her newest saints.

I think our challenge now is how do we go forth and follow their example? They both faced the 20th century head-on without allowing themselves to become victims of a very difficult century. They both saw the horrors of world war and some of the worst moments in human history, yet they never gave up. They believed and trusted in God and His mercy and changed the world.

Maybe the best thanksgiving we can offer to God for these two new saints is our best effort each day to strive for holiness in the ordinary events of daily life!

SS. John XXIII & John Paul the Great, pray for us!”

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For more of Fr. Ptak’s first-person reflections and photos, “like” The Michigan Catholic at www.facebook.com/themichigancatholic.