ON October 16 1978 the world came to know the smiling features of the Pope from Poland for the first time. On that occasion he called to the world: "Open the door to Christ."

It seems to me that from that day to his final Amen he walked with Christ and spoke of Christ. The love of Christ shone from his face in that warm friendly glow of love for his people. I remember hearing him on one occasion, as he looked out over a crowd of more than a million young people, shouting out: "Young people, I love you."

From his first days as Pope he had a strong inner call to be a missionary. He reminds me a lot of St Paul. As St Paul would say: "For me life is Christ," so it was for John Paul II.

He made 104 foreign visits to proclaim Christ. He identified with the hopes and fears of people everywhere. He spoke to the oppressed and the poor. He was happiest with the young and their dreams. He told young and old alike they would find happiness in Jesus Christ. He stood for tried and tested values in a changing world. To all he said: "Only if you follow Christ you will be free."

Even in his last months and days he continued to be a Good Shepherd. He had given his life, he had become weak. In this state he identified with the sick and the weak and all who suffer. He wanted them to know that, even in their weakness, they have an innate human dignity and are special to God.

On April 2 he gave his final Amen to Christ, leaving his suffering behind to share in the glory of the resurrection. May he find fulfilment and joy in God's presence.

C O'DRISCOLL

St John's Catholic Church

Trowbridge