"Holy Father (the title of the Pope), I come from China!"

The address came suddenly, Pope John Paul II had slowed down from his fast pace and looked back. He stepped towards me and when he placed his right hand onto my head, I held his left hand tightly with my left hand. His gaze was fully focused onto me as two pairs of locked eyes met.

I understand that the Holy Father has special attention towards China and our short conversation was around this theme. As of today, the Pope has returned to the home of Heavenly Father, he will surely pray for the Church in China without any exceptions.

The above scenario had occurred on a Wednesday in early 1980 at the Paul VI auditorium.

Another close contact I had with the Holy Father was during 2002 in Toronto as he co-celebrated Mass at World Youth Day. The distance between us may seem short but in reality we were actually quite far apart. However, when there is communion in the Lord there should be no distance between us. At that time, despite the Pope showing decreased physical agility and unclear speech, all the participants at the ceremony kept on showing their enthusiastic applause towards him.

The most touching moment was when he was at the airport and insisted not to use the elevator, instead he chose to walk off the plane. He gave the young people a clear message: to practice what one preaches at all times.

His emblem: "I belong to you" (TOTUS TUUS) is also a reflection of his life. He had no fear for individuals of power and authority, no fear of abuse and endures all criticism in silence. May his style of perseverance be imprinted in our hearts.