Channels of Peace

Oct 7

Painting of John F. Kennedy and Pope John XXIII entitled the “Peace Sowers” was done by Walter Molino.jpg — Painting of John F. Kennedy and Pope John XXIII entitled the “Peace Sowers” was done by Walter Molino.

As a young man in the early 1960s, my father was a huge fan of President John F. Kennedy. I grew up seeing a prayer card with an image of the deceased president in my dad’s old daily missal. Like many people who came of age in the late 1950s and early 1960s, my dad felt a special connection to the 35th president. For many Americans under 30 at the time, Kennedy represented change, service, and hope. With dark hair, a charming personality, and a young family, Kennedy built a particular bond with the “baby boomer” generation. As the first Catholic president, Kennedy found great support among members of his faith community.

While Kennedy was serving in the White House as the youngest man ever elected president, Pope John XXIII was reigning in the Vatican as one of the oldest men ever elected supreme pontiff. Even though he was forty years older than the American president, “Good” Pope John was also seen as an agent of change, service, and hope. With the calling of the Second Vatican Council, Pope John “opened the windows” and brought a breath of fresh air into the Church and society.

For many Catholics, both men seemed to usher in a new era of openness, innovation, and optimism. Many older Catholics recall pictures and snapshots of the pope and the president hanging on walls and given prominent places in the homes of family members during the early 1960s.

These two men, even though they were very different, were joined in their pursuit of peace in the world. For many people, they represented the highest ideals and hopes of humankind. In June of 1963, Pope John passed away from cancer. In November of that same year, President Kennedy was assassinated. The deaths of these two world leaders within a few months of each other left a great hole in the hearts and lives of many people.

By the end of the year, there were countless tributes and religious images that tried to capture the spirit of the “two Johns.” Italian artist Walter Molino produced a popular painting titled “The Peace Sowers.” The print depicts both the president and the pope walking in a field, scattering seeds to symbolize their good work in the world. Molino said he was inspired by the Letter of St. James: “The harvest of justice is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace (James 3:18).”

Last weekend, the Church celebrated the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Many people prayed the words associated with the poor and humble saint: “Lord, make me a channel of your peace.” This weekend, as we remember the now canonized Saint John XXIII, perhaps we can repeat this prayer. Much like the 1960s, we are living in violent and turbulent times. Our world needs healing, hope, and unity. May the observance of the Feast of Pope John call us to be signs of promise and instruments of peace. May the spirit of the Second Vatican Council remind us to work with the world to cultivate peace, to “be at peace, and to put aside all anxieties and imaginations.” (St. Francis de Sales).