University of St. Thomas-Houston’s John Paul II Institute will invite in April author and scholar Dr. Monika Jablonska-Chodakiewicz to talk about her newly released book titled “A Pope for All Seasons: Testimonials Inspired by Saint John Paul II.”  

Jablonska is a scholar, lecturer, business consultant, and author of “Wind from Heaven: John Paul II, the Poet Who Became Pope.” She holds law degrees from Fordham University and Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw. She earned a Master’s degree in literature and is currently working on her Ph.D in Political Science. Jablonska is also a Senior Research Fellow at the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation.

“A Pope for All Seasons: Testimonies Inspired by Saint John Paul II” contains reminiscences by people who admired this saintly man as a student, actor, professor, mentor, author, priest, pope, political leader, uncle and friend. Among the nearly 50 men and women who share their intimate thoughts on the Polish pontiff are internationally recognized figures such as:

Maestro Placido Domingo

His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Michael Reagan

Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz

Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Müller

Newt Gingrich

George Weigel

Edwin Meese III

Each contributor offers insights into the pontificate, life, teachings, thoughts and lessons of one of the most visible persons in recent history.

“In ‘A Pope for All Seasons,’ Monika Jablonska offers a fascinating perspective on the famous efforts made by Pope John Paul II and President Ronald Reagan to work together for the liberation of Poland from Soviet oppression.”

 — Edwin Meese III, former United States Attorney General
 

“Monika Jablonska superbly captures the strength of the bond between Saint John Paul II and my father, former President Ronald Reagan. The author confirms that there are no coincidences when it comes to Providence.”

 — Michael Reagan, New York Times Bestselling Author
 

“Through testimonies of those who knew him, we are reminded of the Polish pontiff’s example of courage, his message of love, and his hope for the future. This book is a brilliant tribute to Saint John Paul II’s historic pontificate.”

 — Callista L. Gingrich, former U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See
 

“Each interlocutor in “A Pope for All Seasons” reveals profoundly personal aspects of his or her relationship with Karol Wojtyla. From this kaleidoscope of recollections, he emerges as a father, friend, mystic, prophet, and spiritual guide.”

 — Msgr. Slawomir Oder, postulator for the beatification and canonization process of John Paul II
 

“In this intimate book, singular witnesses of the life and work, the spirituality and teaching, of the pontiff speak about his inspiring effect upon their lives. Its unique collection of personal testimonies is generational and universal, but above all else, intensely personal.”

 — Fr. Franciszek Longchamps De Berier, Professor of Law, the Jagiellonian University of Cracow 
 

“Monika Jablonska is among the most impressive women I have ever met. Her new book of interviews about John Paul II with his friends and collaborators is an invaluable historical document.”

 — Austin Ruse, author of “Under Siege: No Finer Time to be a Faithful Catholic”

This book’s design helps present and future generations build on the legacy of Saint John Paul II. It encourages us to study his life and activities on multiple levels—philosophy, literature, theatre, theology, politics, diplomacy, and more—so that he might inspire and guide our actions in the world.

 The book is available on Amazon.