While most saints are celebrated on the anniversary of their death, John Paul II’s feast day is unique. He died in April, a time that regularly conflicts with the solemn season of Lent and the joyful celebrations of the Easter Octave.

To ensure the People of God could fully celebrate his life every year, the Church chose October 22—the historic day in 1978 when he officially began his pontificate.

A few years ago, I read through Witness to Hope, a beautiful biography of Pope Saint John Paul II written by George Weigel. It gave me insight into the first pope I knew.

Here are four things I learned from this amazing saint:

1. Never be afraid. The theme at his papal inauguration in 1978, “Do not be afraid,” has resonated with me on my journey as a disciple of Jesus. Storms will come; trials may seem unbearable, yet in it all Jesus is with me.
2. We are a gift. The greatest fulfillment of being human is being a gift to others. We live this out through patience, listening, and service. He spoke of this specifically in the context of marriage, and every disciple lives it through their own vocation.
3. Every human person matters. No matter your personal creed, you matter to God. Every human person bears the image of God. And if this is true, every person is worthy of our love, service, and protection.
4. Faith and Reason are not opposed. We are all on a journey to God. God has given us reason and faith together so that we can find him. They are complementary paths that lead us to ultimate truth.

Pope Saint John Paul II’s image hung in my grandmother’s bedroom. It was a memento of his visit to San Francisco in 1987. Praying the rosary regularly with my grandmother made me aware of the Bishop of Rome, whom I later learned had a deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Another photo of this giant hangs in my office at work. During a particularly difficult assignment after my summer in Rome, I prayed for guidance and courage, specifically to Pope John Paul II, whose motto was “Do not be afraid …”. One day, while returning to my room in the rectory, I found this unsolicited photo. It was this very picture. Accompanying the photo was the Post-it that read: “Manolito, my son, you called me. I am here. PJPII.” A great reminder of presence.

It was a simple sign of this saint’s presence in my life. I have treasured it immensely on my journey of faith. John Paul II … we love you!