“What have you done with that parable?” Pope John Paul II asked in Detroit. I want to share the story of Pope John Paul II’s visit to Detroit. It’s a tale of faith hope and solidarity.
Imagine it’s September 19 1987. The air crackles with excitement. Thousands of Catholics converge on Detroit. They came from near and far to see Pope John Paul II. This visit marked the end of his historic 10-day tour of the United States.
The day began in Hamtramck. Throngs of Polish Americans lined the streets. They cheered on their homegrown pontiff. Later that morning Pope John Paul II arrived in Downtown Detroit’s Hart Plaza. There he delivered a prophetic speech. He spoke about poverty immigration and abortion. These issues still challenge American consciences today.
That afternoon the excitement shifted to the Pontiac Silverdome. At least 90000 people worshipped with the Pope. He concelebrated Mass with local bishops priests and deacons. The Detroit Free Press reported that scarcely a seat was empty. It was a truly amazing sight.
Following the Mass Pope John Paul II thanked the Detroit faithful. He acknowledged their enduring faith and generous hospitality. His Popemobile sped away. He boarded a helicopter and departed.
The memories of that day remain fresh for many local Catholics. Theresa Skwara remembers the excitement in Hamtramck. She was an 11-year-old student at St Florian’s. She recalls the wall-to-wall TV coverage of the Pope’s arrival.
Lisa Zebrowski had a unique experience. She won a writing contest. She greeted the Pope on stage and gave a brief speech. Her grandmother presented the pontiff with a loaf of bread. Lisa remembers her grandmother’s pride and emotion.
During his address Pope John Paul II spoke to the people of Hamtramck. He addressed them as long-lost friends. “I have longed to come to you” he said. “I have greatly desired to be with you in this important moment.” He emphasized the Solidarity movement in Poland. He spoke of its broader implications for people of good will everywhere.
After Hamtramck the papal motorcade arrived at Hart Plaza. A crowd of 35000 welcomed Pope John Paul II. Speaking near the Detroit River he issued a challenge. He urged Americans to devote themselves to serving others.
The day concluded at the Silverdome. More than 90000 faithful attended a Mass like no other. Father Terrance Kerner concelebrated with Pope John Paul II. Seminarians from Sacred Heart Major Seminary met the Holy Father.
After the Mass Pope John Paul II met Jimmy DeMuth. Jimmy was a 51-year-old Ohio man with cerebral palsy. The Pope kissed him on the head and said “God loves you.”
Pope John Paul II’s visit to Detroit was short. Yet it left a lasting impact. At the Detroit airport Pope John Paul II gave a farewell address. He spoke of America’s beauty. He also emphasized the importance of defending life especially the weakest and most defenseless. He urged America to be one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all.
Pope John Paul II’s words resonate here even today. His call for solidarity justice and peace remains relevant. He reminded us of our responsibility to one another. He encouraged us to live up to the values that define us. Remember his visit. Remember his message. Let us continue to strive for a better world. A world where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. A world where solidarity triumphs over conflict. That is the legacy of Pope John Paul II in Detroit.