Gearing up for the 100th birthday of Papa Luciani

Next year, 2012, will be the centenary celebration of Papa Luciani’s birth. As you know from so many of my previous posts, Papa Luciani was Pope John Paul I, for whom I was privileged to have served back in 1978 during his installation Mass as Pope. I have a very special devotion to him, and look forward to day, God willing, when he will be beatified and then canonized a saint. His cause for beatification advances in the Vatican, after being completed in his local diocese, Belluno-Feltre.

There will no doubt during the next year be significant events to celebrate this birthday at his home town of Canale D’Agordo in northeast Italy, situated in the Dolomite mountains. A stunning location. You can log on to: www.parrocchiacanaledagordo.it  to keep updated on planned events there.

There is also an effort on the way to host a Luciani event in the United States, most probably in New York. Dr. Lori Pieper is leading the effort. Lori has translated most of Luciani’s writings into English, and has produced short video clips of John Paul I that can be viewed on YouTube. I would direct you to her website On Pilgrimmage at the lower right under Blogroll.

I will keep you updated on any further developments.

Papa Luciani, pray for us!