By Karenlyn Barone, Brian T. Dessart and Esther McKenna
A universally beloved and respected leader, John Paul II was credited with helping to bring about the fall of communism, staunchly defending those "persecuted by ideologies and powers that denied the transcendent value of the human spirit," said Murphy. As a defender of human life and dignity, especially the poor and downtrodden, John Paul II was often referred to as the "people's pope."
"[His death] is a great loss," said Monsignor William Jablonski, pastor of St. Raymond's Roman Catholic Church in East
Rockaway. "There's not so much a sense of mourning as there is an appreciation and gratitude for being a leader and a good spokesperson ... and being an ambassador for the world. He spoke on behalf of the poor, the oppressed and the unborn."
John Paul II was the most widely traveled pope in history, visiting 170 countries during his 26-year papacy. He encountered more people than any other pope: More than 17.6 million attended his general audiences, and he had 737 meetings with heads of state.
"The Holy Father was a humble servant who passionately and enthusiastically proclaimed our faith and inspired people around the world to have a deep relationship with God," said the Rev. William Breslawski, pastor of Our Lady of Peace Roman Catholic Church in Lynbrook. "He was a tireless, fearless and very effective advocate of freedom, peace, justice, human rights and the dignity of human life. He profoundly loved all of humanity, and he was living proof that true greatness comes only through humble service. We are grateful for the tremendous blessing which he has been for all these years. We will miss him enormously, but his legacy will have ripple effects long into the future. We pray that God may bless us with another good and loving shepherd."
Residents of all faiths have expressed a sense of loss at the Pope's death. Many sought comfort in their houses of worship when the news reached them. "I feel so sad," said an elderly Lynbrook man who declined to be identified. "And I'm not even Catholic. But with this pope, it didn't matter. I always felt like he cared about everyone and respected them. I embraced his position in the world."
East Rockaway resident Anna Petrucci is a devout Catholic who has been watching 24-hour coverage from the Vatican on an Italian television network. The St. Raymond parishioner said, "Pope John Paul II was a true man of God. His miracle is seen in the ongoing prayers since his death and the uniting of people all over the world."
The bishop has declared Friday, the day of the pope's funeral, a "day of remembrance and prayer," and Catholic schools will be closed. The students at Our Lady of Peace will attend a special Mass on Thursday at 9 a.m., and the youth of the diocese has been invited to an evening of prayer at St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre. The students of OLP and St. Raymond's have been encouraged to attend.
"I am in awe of the impact the pope made on the world, and especially the youth," said Sister Mary Dowden, principal of Our Lady of Peace School. "He has really touched people of all faiths, and from all walks of life."
Sister Ruthanne Gypalo, principal of St. Raymond's Catholic School, said that at the students' Mass on Thursday the first-graders will lead the prayers which will place an emphasis on the pope, peace and love.
Gypalo was in attendance at Aquaduct Racetrack in 1995 when the pope celebrated Mass. "There was an amazing feeling when the Holy Father stepped on the ground," she said. "Being in his presence was an honor. He was a very holy man - that permeated the aura around him. He was a walking saint."
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