The Legislative Assembly of Ontario on March 17, 2014, unanimously voted in favour of Bill 72, an Act proclaiming April 2 of each year as Pope John Paul II Day. This was a private Member's bill by Liberal MPP Ms. Dipika Damerla of the riding of Mississauga East-Cooksville. The Act came into force on March 25. Blessed John Paul II and Blessed John XXIII will be canonized this April 27 at a celebration in Saint Peter's Square, presided by Pope Francis.
Legislative Assembly Release
An Act to proclaim Pope John Paul II Day
Preamble
Pope John Paul II, who was born in Poland on May 18, 1920, reigned as Pope of the Roman Catholic Church from October 16, 1978 until his death on April 2, 2005. His reign was marked by his steadfast opposition to communism, and he is often credited as one of the forces that contributed to its collapse in Eastern Europe in 1990. The year 2014 marks the 25th anniversary of the fall of communism in Central and Eastern European countries.
The legacy of Pope John Paul II reflects his lifelong commitment to international understanding, peace and the defence of equality and human rights. His legacy has an all-embracing meaning that is particularly relevant to Canada’s multi-faith and multicultural traditions and experience.
As one of the great spiritual leaders of contemporary times, Pope John Paul II visited Ontario twice during his pontificate of more than 25 years. On his visits, he was enthusiastically greeted by our province’s diverse religious and cultural communities.
Therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario, enacts as follows:
Pope John Paul II Day
1. April 2 in each year is proclaimed as Pope John Paul II Day.
Commencement
2. This Act comes into force on the day it receives Royal Assent.
Short title
3. The short title of this Act is the Pope John Paul II Day Act, 2014.
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This Explanatory Note was written as a reader’s aid to Bill 72 and does not form part of the law. Bill 72 has been enacted as Chapter 3 of the Statutes of Ontario, 2014.
The Bill proclaims April 2 in each year as Pope John Paul II Day.
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