A Pastor’s Zeal The Memories of Msgr. Lawrence M. Purcell, Rector 1984-1990
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very alumnus of a national seminary in the Eternal City has a personal relationship with the Bishop of Rome. The alumnus soon comes to appreciate the exceptional grace of being at least spiritually in the presence of the apostles, martyrs and popes who have gone before him. Pope John Paul II has now gone before us. We who were privileged to be in his presence liturgically, pastorally and personally remain deeply grateful. He exemplified what the North American College is all about in many ways. Three of these ways stand out in my experience as rector in the mid and late 1980’s. The Holy Father’s faith was rooted in a sense of the Church universal. His beliefs, shaped by a theological training that flowed from his acquired philosophical convictions, gave him an unparalleled confiJohn Paul II and Rev. Msgr dence as he fulfilled his Lawrence Purcell, Rector 1984- apostolic mission. Thirdly, 1990. his love of people made his selfless priestly service seem easy. There is a recognizable turning point when a seminarian or student priest begins to call the College home. It often coincides with his becoming aware that the Church is much more encompassing than he had previously experienced. Father Karol Wojtyla was deeply influenced by his Roman studies. Later, when participating in the Second Vatican Council, he learned from fellow bishops from around the world. His own extraordinary background influenced, in turn, the contributions he made to the work of the Council. Pope John Paul knew what it is like to leave home. Perhaps his rapport with seminarians came at least
in part from his encouraging them in difficult times. The remarkable energy and pastoral zeal that characterized Pope John Paul ignited the same qualities in everyone who witnessed them. Youth seem to crave heroes, and the Holy Father’s natural sense of leadership made him a personal hero to most if not all of us. There was no hint of his pursuing a career or seeking ecclesiastical honors. He did not need any of that because he was totally at ease with himself. He exuded a sense of confidence. The clear focus of his mission as an apostle, that is, his sense of being one sent to others, surely came from the high priority he gave to his own prayer time. Pope John Paul II held the ministerial priesthood in high esteem. He respected each and every priest. He also expected a great deal from every one of us. For him, it was all about love. The affection he was given by the multitudes was their love in response to his love as a truly holy father.
Msgr. Purcell and seminarians from the North American College greet Pope John Paul II during an audience.
We knew from countless personal experiences what it was like for the Holy Father to be energized by people. He wanted to be where the action of the Holy Spirit was at any given moment. His way of serving others as a priest made us want to be better priests.
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