Book Review: Rise, Let Us Be On Our Way by John Paul II

Rise, Let Us Be On Our Way by John Paul II

In this follow-up book to Gift and Mystery, which gave memories and reflections about his early priesthood, John Paul II writes about his memories and reflections of being a bishop in his native Poland. He goes through his acceptance of the call and the ordination ceremony, dwelling on the significance of different details, like the meaning of the mitre (the bishop's hat) and crosier (the bishop's staff). He writes about his life as a bishop, which was very challenging under the communist government of the 1950s and 1960s. He traveled a bit and participated in Vatican II. His daily life as a bishop included visiting parishes and working with various religious organizations in the diocese, along with providing the sacraments to his flock. He writes warmly about the traditions of Catholic Poland, their favorite saints, and the various other priests and bishops who had an influence on his life.

The book reads rather quickly. It's not an in-depth meditation about the episcopacy, but an nice historical, personal, and theological overview. He describes his own experiences, how those helped him to be a better shepherd to his flock and made him ready to become pope. I found it interesting and inspiring.

Highly recommended.