A John Paul Miracle

No sooner did the John Paul Anniversary Mass -- now at Communion -- begin an hour ago when a text message arrived on my cellphone, in diretta from St Peter's Square.

"C'è MARINI!" it said. "It's Marini!"

A week after (still-unclear) reports on his health came to the fore, the papal master of ceremonies Archbishop Piero Marini was in his usual place today by the Pope's side.

Per usual, Benedict XVI offered a moving homily on the life, devotion and legacy of his predecessor. It's much too much to translate on my own, so hopefully an English copy of the text will pop up in short order.

Also, at yesterday's Angelus, the Pope requested a period of fasting for today and tomorrow with the intention of peace in Iraq, so please do keep that in mind.


PHOTO: AP/Gregorio Borgia

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